The accounting profession is a lucrative career for those who love numbers and record keeping. The increasing need for companies to do be able to keep financial records and control their finances will mean a great need for more accountants globally. And there is no other state more conducive for accountants than the business-friendly state of Texas, USA.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS, reports that last year presented increased employment opportunities for accounting professionals. This is even though several US states were still recovering from the pandemic. In fact, Forbes and BLS have made a forecast that there will be a need for more than 24,000 new accountants in Texas by 2028. That goes to show that now is still a great time to be thinking of getting trained in an Accounting School Program near you or in Texas.
In this article, you’ll learn about the type of accounting programs that are offered in Texas, the top 5 accounting schools, and their costs.
Overview of Accounting Degrees Online
It is important you have a general idea of the top accounting programs available out there and then decide on the one you’re interested in. The corresponding degree you should pursue could either be a BA, an MBA, or MSc so choose wisely. But if you haven’t decided yet, we would outline some of the accounting undergraduate or graduate programs you must know.
You might also arrive at the conclusion that hybrid accounting degree programs in Texas that mix on-campus and online classes might be more suitable for you. The point is – don’t close your mind to one option and decide irrationally. Online accounting school program, on-campus accounting school, and hybrid programs all have their pros and cons. Thus, it would be wise to diligently consider all options and take the best route customized to your schedule.
How Much Does Online Accounting School Cost in Texas?
The first thing to take note of is that the costs of accounting school tuition can vary widely depending on a couple of factors.
Factors like the type of school (public vs. private), the type of program (certificate vs. associate’s, bachelor’s, or master’s degree), and whether or not you are a local Texan resident, will influence the estimated cost of accounting school in Texas.
Depending on the factors listed above, the costs of accounting school tuition can range between $40,000 to $100,000. Note that the typical cost of an online accounting degree will be around $300 per credit unit. Therefore, with 120 credit requirements for a Bachelor’s degree, the cost will be $300 x 120 = $36,000. Of course, this is a rough estimate that can vary dramatically especially if you are enrolled in a private institution. This so-called ‘rough estimate covers tuition alone without the addition of fees for accounting exams and AACSB licenses in Texas.
In spite of the high tuition cost of accounting schools in Texas, there are financial aid programs that assist you to offer some of the cost of your education. After study, students go on to receive assistance with license and placement into the accountant registry in the state of Texas. as well as with job placement in the future.
In looking for financial aid opportunities, you should file your FASFA® so that your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) thus help them decide your eligibility for grants or scholarships soon. So you see, even if you don’t have enough money to finance your accounting school training, it shouldn’t be what will hold you back from your dream of becoming an accountant.
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How to Choose the Best Online Accounting Degree In Texas
Here are the factors to consider when choosing an online accounting program in Texas:
1. Accreditation
The college or university you choose should be AACSB accredited if it’s located in Texas. Accreditation is a vital factor in order to take their state board CPA exam. Holding qualifying credits is not enough as long as it’s not from a regionally accredited institution.
Mind you that nationally accredited schools possess slightly different accreditation types depending on the state. Thus, choose the one that will not negatively impact your long-term plans.
2. Cost
Online accounting degree costs vary depending on the college or university you choose. So while doing research on which institution to enroll in, students should review the tuition structure and rates of the institution they select. R
Remember also that financial aid is available for those who are eligible however, it is wise to choose only programs you can afford. You shouldn’t opt for online accounting school programs whose tuition cost might be out of your budget with hopes of receiving financial aid. You can check this financial aid guide while doing your research on the best online accounting program for you.
3. Specialization
Some online accounting programs offer accounting specialization degrees. This means students who want to tailor the program to their career goals and personal interests are allowed to do. Some specializations include financial accounting, cost accounting, forensic accounting, and tax accounting.
Texas Top Online Accounting Degree in Texas and Their Costs
This list of the top accounting schools in Texas has been arranged from cheap to expensive.
1. Southern Methodist University
The Department of Accounting & Business Law at SMU is one of the top accounting schools in Texas, located in Waco.
A lot of positive reviews make their School of Accounting one of the best places with a conducive learning environment and setting for career growth. They host Bachelors in Accounting online program with the cost per semester being $400.
Since the online BS accounting program spans 4 years duration, the total tuition for it is $49,600. Whereas the BAS accounting costs an average of $24,800 for the entire duration of the study.
2. Angelo State University, San Angelo, TX
This is one of the best accounting schools in Texas located in San Angelo. Angelo State University School of Accounting’s average tuition is $41,092 for undergraduate and graduate accounting degrees. They offer a Bachelor of Arts BA in Accounting online degree program, MBA, and Masters in Accounting and Finance.
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3. Texas A & M International University, Laredo TX
This is one of the most notorious universities that offer affordable online accounting degree programs. Some of the programs they offer are:
- Bachelors in Accounting i.e BA Accounting
- Master in General Accounting
Texas A&M has produced a lot of well-qualified accountants owning to the fact that it has a reportedly high pass rate of about 96%.
The average annual tuition for accounting is $45,270. They have a lot of international students and this has brought in diversity and interests, especially during this post-Covid period.
4. Houston Baptist University, Houston, TX
This school offers many varieties of accounting programs just like Baylor University. The programs there does not include an online bachelor’s in Accounting but masters in Business Management and Masters in General Accounting.
The online accounting degree programs cost $49,616 on average.
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5. Dallas Baptist University, Houston, TX
This school offers many varieties of accounting programs just like Baylor University. The online accounting programs there are bachelor’s and associate degrees in the field of Accounting, Business Management, and Finance.
The online accounting degree programs cost $46,600 on average.
Accounting Careers in Texas
With the high number of big industries and big businesses, Texas is a significant player in global commerce. Accountants familiar with International Financial Reporting Standards are needed to facilitate international trade for globally recognized companies like Marathon Oil, and engineering and construction giant URS Corporation, both of which have a strong presence in Texas.
Here is a list of the most available accounting careers in Texas
1. Cost Accountant/Tax Accountant
Cost Accountants are business professionals who work for companies and help them review their expenditure versus income and thereafter help them plan cost-efficient means of production.
They help organizations produce more or do more services while reducing the cost of production. Tax accountants are business professionals that help companies with tax auditing and tax relief services. Additionally, they arrange the company’s sales records to present them to local or state tax officials. Tax accountants assist business owners with best business practices and strategies that confer tax incentives to the business enterprise.
2. Property Appraiser
Property appraisers have the duty of assessing the value of a real estate property. They use key performance indicators, and KPIs, such as the current trend of the real estate market in that geographical area, the price of similar properties within, and property-specific features to determine value.
With Texas’ business-friendly economy, a lot of big cooperations are arriving and those existing are expanding thus the need for real estate appraisers. A graduate accountant with a bachelor’s degree can work in this role but it’s preferable to get a Masters or MBA. Job Outlook in Texas (2018-28): +15%.
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3. Financial Analyst
Financial analysts help organizations make the best financial decisions by evaluating company data, industry trends, and economic forecasts. Their insights and reports help company executives to determine the best course of action moving forward.
A master’s degree is the preferable requirement for financial analysts. The healthcare providers, financial services firms, agriculture firms, and other industries in Texas hire these professionals. Job Outlook in Texas (2018-28): +19%.
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4. Compliance Officer
A compliance officer ensures that a company and its employees stay out of harm’s way. By harm’s way, we mean careful adherence to tax and financial regulations of the state of Texas. Generally, these professionals need a bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field.
Job Outlook and Salary for Accounting Graduates
According to the BLS, accounting professionals receive a median pay of $77,250 per year and
$37.14 per hour.
Employment of accountants and auditors is projected to grow 7 percent from 2020 to 2030, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
About 135,000 openings for accountants and auditors are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Conclusion
Whether you’re interested in becoming a CPA in the accounting profession, or just adding accounting to your toolbox of skills as an entrepreneur, attending one of the AACSB or IACBE accredited accounting schools in Texas will prepare you for a rewarding career.
FAQs On Online Accounting Degrees
This is quite a common question. Many people who ask “how do I pay for accounting school” should know that there are plenty of financial aid opportunities for them to utilize. They can start by checking and filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form.
Note that the typical cost of an online accounting degree will be around $300 per credit unit. Therefore, with 120 credit requirements for a Bachelor’s degree, the cost will be $300 x 120 = $36,000. Of course, this is a rough estimate that can vary dramatically especially if you are enrolled in a private institution.
According to 2020 BLS data, accountants and auditors in Texas earn an average annual salary of $80,170. The state trails slightly behind higher-paying states for accountants, like North Carolina, Georgia, and Colorado.
With many accounting programs, you’re only certified in the state or country in which you took your licensure exam. If you relocate to another American state, you may have to run the certification process again.
References
- accountingdegreetoday.com – Texas Accounting Schools
- accounting.com – Best Accounting Programs in Texas
- accountingdegreesonline,org – 2022 Best Texas Accounting Degrees Online
