If you're searching for an online degree in accounting from a Tennessee college, you'll find some great options offering flexibility while also preparing you for a competitive job market within the state. We've selected online programs that you should consider along with important steps to becoming an accountant.
For inclusion on our list, a school must have a primary campus located in Tennessee, offer a fully online bachelor's degree in accounting, and publicly available data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). When applicable, we've also highlighted median earnings for graduates and if the school is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).
List Of Accredited Online Accounting Schools
| School | Online Enrollment | Annual Tuition | Median Earnings | AACSB Accredited | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Memphis | $56,139 | Yes | |||
| South College | 2,902 | $17,335 | N/A | No | |
| King University | 483 | $33,784 | N/A | No | |
| Lee University | 396 | $21,730 | $70,035 | No |
2025 Best Online Accounting Degrees in Tennessee
University of Memphis University of Memphis University of Memphis University of Memphis
- Online Enrollment: 3,461
- Salary Score: N/A
- Annual Tuition: $14,280
- Median Earnings: $56,139
- Accreditation: AACSB
Online degree: Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting
Why we like them: With 3,461 students pursuing their studies remotely, the university is among the top 13% in terms of online student population, exemplifying its appeal to distance learners. Furthermore, the overall school's high recommendation rate of 84% further reflects alumni satisfaction, based on student reviews submitted on our site. Accredited by AACSB, the program is part of the Fogelman College of Business & Economics. The curriculum covers taxation, auditing, and important topics you'll encounter on the CPA exam.
South College South College South College South College
- Online Enrollment: 2,902
- Salary Score: N/A
- Annual Tuition: $17,335
- Median Earnings: N/A
Online degree: Bachelor of Business Administration - Accounting
Why we like them: South College has an impressive online enrollment of 2,902 students, placing it among the top 16% with the highest online student population, corroborating the institution's appeal and accessibility to distance learners. Students receive an attractive average financial aid package over $13,000 from various grants or other scholarship sources. The School of Business and Technology is accredited by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE). Courses cover foundational business topics and specialized accounting skills, preparing students for careers in corporate finance, small business, and accounting firms.
King University King University King University King University
- Online Enrollment: 483
- Salary Score: N/A
- Annual Tuition: $33,784
- Median Earnings: N/A
Online degree: Bachelor of Science in Accounting
Why we like them: We recognize King's low student-faculty ratio of 11:1, placing it within the top 23% of schools in this metric. Additionally, students have given the overall school a strong rating of 4.69 out of 5, based on over 60 student reviews on our website.The program includes 64 major credits with each course running for either 5 or 15 weeks. Students can graduate within 16 months through the acceptance of up to 76 transfer credits. Moreover, the coursework covers critical areas such as advanced accounting, business law, and communication.
Lee University Lee University Lee University Lee University
- Online Enrollment: 396
- Salary Score: B-
- Annual Tuition: $21,730
- Median Earnings: $70,035
Online degree: Bachelor of Science in Accounting
Why we like them: Lee University (LU) has an online enrollment just under 400 students, and the university emphasizes personalized attention with a favorable student-to-faculty ratio of 12:1. The program incorporates a balanced curriculum, including courses in general education, core accounting principles, managerial accounting, and specialized electives. This curriculum is designed to equip you with a thorough understanding of essential accounting topics, such as federal income tax, auditing, and government accounting. LU provides a clear path toward licensure qualification, aligning its courses with industry standards.
Overview of Online Accounting Degrees in Tennessee
Accounting in Tennessee is a vital and growing field, supporting the financial health of businesses, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations statewide. Accountants play a crucial role in maintaining accurate financial records, preparing tax returns, conducting audits, and ensuring regulatory compliance. Regardless of if you're looking for work in urban centers like Nashville or Memphis or smaller cites throughout the region, accountants in Tennessee have a range of options across diverse industries, including healthcare, manufacturing, and technology.
How To Become an Accountant in Tennessee
The first step toward an accounting career is often earning a bachelor's degree in accounting or similar business degree with an accounting focus. When selecting a program in Tennessee, it’s essential to choose one that is accredited and affordable to ensure a quality education with strong value. A bachelor's degree generally requires around 120 credits and typically takes four years to complete, although some accelerated options allow for graduation in as little as two to three years. These programs integrate general education with focused coursework in accounting, business, and finance, covering critical topics such as auditing, corporate taxation, budgeting, and financial management.
You might choose to pursue specializations, such as forensic accounting, which involves investigating financial fraud, or management accounting, focused on budgeting and financial planning within organizations. Other in-demand specializations include tax accounting and auditing, offering unique paths for those interested in advancing their skills.
Paying for college shouldn't hold you back. Explore our list of the most affordable online accounting degrees.
How To Become a CPA in Tennessee
Tennessee is one of 55 jurisdictions one can apply for a license and practice as a Certified Public Account (CPA). This is an excellent career path to consider if you're seeking higher earnings within the field. CPA candidates must do the following before earning their license:
- Complete 150 hours of university-level coursework. Since a bachelor's degree typically covers 120 credits, students should consider an online master's degree in accounting.
- Satisfy the work experience requirement. You'll need to complete one year of accounting work.
- Pass the Tennessee CPA exam. You'll need to earn a score of 75 on a scale of 0-99 to pass this computer-based exam.
- Pass the ethics exam.
You should should review Tennessee's requirements from the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy for more information on testing.
FAQs About Accounting in Tennessee
How Much Do Accountants Make in Tennessee?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports accountants and auditors earning an annual median wage of $81,510 in Tennessee.
How Many Accountants are in Tennessee?
BLS data reports over 26,000 people actively employed as accountants in the state.
How Hard is the CPA Exam in Tennessee?
Most candidates have said the CPA exam is hard, but this applies to every state. You'll need to be comfortable using a computer to take the test and be prepared to tackle multiple choice questions and tasked-based assessments, which are structured to mimic real accounting scenarios. The exam is split into four sections and takes 16 hours to complete.