Fastest Online Taxation Management Degree Programs for 2025

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

The U.S. economy expects about 130,800 accounting and auditing openings every year through 2033—and many of those roles require solid tax skills. This guide spotlights the quickest online bachelor’s routes into taxation management, explains what you’ll study, where you can work, and—importantly—how much you can earn.

Read on to see whether an accelerated online tax-focused accounting degree can launch you into a well-paid, in-demand career faster than the traditional four-year track.

What are the benefits of completing an online taxation management degree program?

Median pay ≈ $81.7 k for accountants and auditors with a bachelor’s degree (BLS 2024)
6% growth, 130 k+ openings projected 2023-33—steady demand for tax talent
Versatile paths: corporate tax, CPA, audit, consulting, or risk roles—advancement into management

What can I expect from an online taxation management degree program?

Accelerated online programs pack the usual 120 credits into six- to eight-week courses offered year-round, letting motivated students finish in as little as 20–30 months. Core classes span federal income tax, corporate taxation, auditing, cost accounting, and business law, while capstones prepare you for CPA or Enrolled Agent exams.

Most courses are asynchronous, but live webinars and virtual tax labs offer real-time support. Expect tech fees but lower living costs; average published in-state tuition at public four-year colleges is $11,610 for 2024-25.

Where can I work with an online taxation management degree program?

Graduates gravitate to firms that need specialists who can interpret constantly changing tax codes. According to 2024 OEWS data, the top-employing industries for accountants include

accounting and payroll services,
corporate management,
local government,
real estate, and
consulting services.

Tax-ready accountants cluster in a handful of large economies:

California
Texas
New York
Florida
Pennsylvania

How much can I make with an online taxation management degree program?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median annual wage of $81,680 for accountants and auditors in May 2024. Tax managers—often the next rung up—command even higher figures. Below is what major salary trackers list for U.S. tax managers in 2025:

Zippia: $96,100 average
Salary.com: $145,927 average
ZipRecruiter: $129,367 average
Indeed: $126,855 average
PayScale: $109,155 average
Glassdoor: $120,685–$186,411 typical range

Even at the lower end, graduates out-earn the 2024 national median wage of $49,500, and the credential opens doors to senior roles like senior tax analyst, controller, or director of finance—positions that regularly top six figures.

Fastest Online Taxation Management Degree Programs for 2025
How long does it take to complete an online taxation management degree program?
How does an online taxation management degree compare to an on-campus program?
What is the average cost of an online taxation management degree program?
What are the financial aid options for students enrolling in an online taxation management degree program?
What are the prerequisites for enrolling in an online taxation management degree program?
What courses are typically in an online taxation management degree program?
What types of specializations are available in online taxation management degree programs?
What postgraduate credentials can further boost my taxation management career?
Are interdisciplinary accelerated degrees a smart complement to an online taxation management degree?
How do you choose the best among the fastest online taxation management degree programs?
What career paths are available for graduates of online taxation management degree programs?
What is the job market like for graduates with an online taxation management degree?
Other Things You Should Know About Online Taxation Management Degree Programs

Fastest Online Taxation Management Degree Programs for 2025

Business majors focusing on accounting and taxation can now fast-track their education through accelerated online programs. Earning an accounting degree with a taxation focus quickly means entering the workforce sooner.

Many universities offer flexible scheduling, transfer credits, and year-round courses to help students finish faster. Professionals with an accelerated accounting or online accounting degree can gain skills in tax law, auditing, and financial management and advance their careers quickly.

How do we rank schools?

Our rankings for the fastest online taxation management degree programs are crafted using a unique methodology. We conduct extensive research and data analysis, relying on reputable sources for accuracy. Data from the IPEDS database at the National Center for Education Statistics provides comprehensive information on U.S. colleges and universities. We also draw on insights from Peterson's database (including their Distance Learning Licensed Data Set) and incorporate data from the College Scorecard database to evaluate outcomes and costs associated with each institution.

By using multiple reliable sources, we ensure our rankings are up-to-date and relevant, helping prospective students make informed decisions.

1. California Baptist University – Online B.S. in Accounting

California Baptist University (CBU) was founded in 1950 in Riverside, California. It is a private Christian university known for its robust online programs and commitment to faith-based education.

CBU’s Dr. Robert K. Jabs School of Business offers business degrees with an interdisciplinary approach, emphasizing practical skills and ethical leadership. The university is regionally accredited and has grown to serve students worldwide through its online division.

Program cost: $520 per credit
Program duration: 24 months (accelerated, with prior general education credits)
Total credits needed: 120 credits (72-unit major + general education)
Program Accreditation: WSCUC (regional); ACBSP (business)

2. Herzing University – Online B.S. in Accounting

Herzing University, founded in 1965, is a private nonprofit institution headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with campuses across several states. It is known for career-focused programs and flexible online education tailored to working adults.

Herzing’s online accounting degree combines technical accounting skills with management training, preparing graduates for diverse roles in business and finance. The university emphasizes hands-on learning and offers personalized support through small class sizes and rolling admissions.

Program cost: $515 per credit
Program duration: 36 months on average (accelerated 3-year track)
Total credits needed: 122 credits (including general education)
Program Accreditation: HLC (regional); IACBE (business)

3. Maryville University – Online B.S. in Accounting

Maryville University is a private university founded in 1872 and located in St. Louis, Missouri. It has a rich history of innovation in education and is known for its comprehensive online programs. Maryville’s online accounting program is fully remote with no campus visits required.

The curriculum covers accounting theory, auditing, taxation, and business strategy, and it offers an Early Access option to begin graduate courses during the senior year. Maryville’s business programs prioritize experiential learning and have earned national recognition for quality.

Program cost: $540 per credit
Program duration: 30 months (can be completed in ~2.5 years with full-time year-round enrollment)
Total credits needed: 128 credits (typical for a bachelor’s degree)
Program Accreditation: HLC (regional); ACBSP (business)

4. University of Holy Cross – Accelerated B.S. in Accounting (Degree Completion)

The University of Holy Cross, founded in 1916 in New Orleans, Louisiana, is a Catholic institution known for adult education and professional programs. Its accelerated online B.S. in Accounting is a degree completion program designed for working adults. Students with at least 42 prior college credits can join a small cohort and finish the accounting degree in as few as 20 months.

The program features 8-week synchronous accounting classes and accepts up to 66 transfer credits, making it one of the most affordable and fast-paced options for aspiring accountants.

Program cost: $330 per credit (flat rate)
Program duration: 20 months (accelerated, assuming transfer of general education credits)
Total credits needed: 120 credits (42+ transfer credits accepted, 54 credits in major, plus any remaining general education)
Program Accreditation: SACSCOC (regional)

5. Methodist University – Online B.S. or B.A.S. in Accounting

Methodist University is a private university founded in 1956 in Fayetteville, North Carolina. It offers both a Bachelor of Science (BS) and a Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) in Accounting online. The BS pathway is for students starting fresh, while the BAS is tailored for those who already hold an associate degree in business or accounting.

The program features condensed 8-week courses, allowing associate degree holders to complete the bachelor’s in as little as 2 years. Methodist’s Reeves School of Business combines liberal arts with professional preparation and boasts specialized accreditation.

Program cost: $435 per credit
Program duration: 3.5 years for the full BS (124 credits) or 2 years for BAS completion (with transfer credits)
Total credits needed: 124 credits (BS) – up to 93 credits transferable for accelerated completion
Program Accreditation: SACSCOC (regional); ACBSP (business)

6. St. Catherine University – Online B.S. in Accounting

St. Catherine University (St. Kate’s) is a private Catholic institution in St. Paul, Minnesota, founded in 1905 and historically focused on women’s education (though its College for Adults is coeducational). St. Kate’s offers a flexible College for Adults accounting program 100% online, designed to be completed in less than two years.

The accelerated curriculum and self-paced structure enable students (especially those with prior credits or degrees) to earn a second bachelor’s in accounting in about 21 months. The program leverages faculty with real-world accounting experience and provides robust support services to help adult learners succeed.

Program cost: $475 per credit
Program duration: 21 months (approximately 5 semesters for the accounting major coursework)
Total credits needed: 120 credits (44 credits in the accounting major; students complete major requirements if they hold a prior degree)
Program Accreditation: HLC (regional); ACBSP (business)

7. University of Massachusetts Global – Online B.B.A. with Accounting Emphasis

The University of Massachusetts Global (UMass Global), formerly Brandman University, is a nonprofit institution established in 1958 to serve adult learners and military personnel. Based in Irvine, California, UMass Global offers a fully online Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) program with an optional emphasis in Accounting.

The program features a streamlined core curriculum and nine emphasis options, including accounting, allowing students to customize their studies. UMass Global’s BBA is competency-based and transfer-friendly: students can transfer up to 90 credits and benefit from self-paced “MyPath” learning options, potentially accelerating completion.

Program cost: $500 per credit
Program duration: ~3 years with transfer credits (120 credits total; faster completion is possible with year-round enrollment or competency-based pacing)
Total credits needed: 120 credits (BBA curriculum including general education and business core)
Program Accreditation: WSCUC (regional); IACBE (business)

8. Purdue University Global – Online B.S. in Accounting (Accelerated)

Purdue University Global is the online branch of the Purdue University system, providing career-oriented education to adult learners. Its Bachelor of Science in Accounting offers four career-focused concentrations: Tax Accountancy, Public Accountancy, Auditing/Forensic, and Managerial Accountancy.

This program is ACBSP-accredited and highly transfer-friendly – students can transfer up to 75% of required credits. With prior credits, a motivated student can finish in as little as two years (the standard program spans about 4 years). Coursework covers financial reporting, taxation, auditing, and business law, preparing graduates to meet CPA or CMA exam requirements.

Program cost: $371 per credit
Program duration: 2–4 years (accelerated: finish in ~2 years with max credit transfer; 4 years average without transfers)
Total credits needed: 180 quarter credits (equivalent to 120 semester credits; up to 135 quarter credits transferable)
Program Accreditation: HLC (regional); ACBSP (business)

9. Liberty University – Online B.S. in Accounting and Data Analysis

Liberty University, founded in 1971 in Lynchburg, Virginia, is a large private Christian university known for extensive online offerings. Liberty’s online B.S. in Accounting (recently updated to include Data Analysis) provides a faith-based curriculum that integrates accounting principles with modern data analytics skills. Courses span financial accounting, taxation, auditing, and accounting information systems, plus training in data interpretation.

The program runs on accelerated 8-week terms, enabling dedicated students to finish faster; Liberty notes that an ambitious full-time online student can complete the 120-credit bachelor’s in as little as 2.5 years by taking maximum course loads year-round. Liberty also offers a 3+1 Accelerated Business option to earn a master’s degree in just one additional year.

Program cost: $390 per credit (full-time online rate; textbooks included via their online access initiative)
Program duration: 30 months (approx. 2.5 years with continuous full-time enrollment – faster if transferring credits)
Total credits needed: 120 credits (Liberty allows up to 90 transfer credits, which can significantly shorten completion time)
Program Accreditation: SACSCOC (regional); ACBSP (business)

How long does it take to complete an online taxation management degree program?

Most online bachelor’s degrees in accounting‐taxation still require 120 credits, but accelerated calendars compress those credits into six- or eight-week blocks offered year-round. Western Governors University, for example, reports that its students finish bachelor’s programs in three years or less thanks to competency-based pacing.

Nationally, just 42% of undergraduates reach the finish line within four years at traditional colleges, according to the 2025 EducationData cost study educationdata.org. The gap shows why learners who can handle heavier course loads often prefer fast-track online formats: they enter the workforce sooner, trim a year or two of tuition, and can even roll credits into a graduate program like a masters in accounting online without pausing their careers.

How does an online taxation management degree compare to an on-campus program?

Flexibility is the headline difference: asynchronous lectures and monthly start dates let online students fit study around jobs and family obligations, while campus cohorts move at a fixed pace. Cost structures diverge, too—many virtual programs charge flat tuition per term no matter how many credits you complete, encouraging acceleration. The quality gap that once worried recruiters is closing fast.

In the NACE Job Outlook 2024 survey, 87.4 % of employers hired graduates who earned their degree online, and 100 % paid them the same starting salary as peers from brick-and-mortar programs. Drexel University’s comparison guide adds that credibility hinges on choosing a regionally accredited school with an established campus brand. In short, when accreditation and rigor match, modality no longer dictates career prospects—performance and reputation do.

What is the average cost of an online taxation management degree program?

Sticker prices vary, but two benchmarks frame today’s market. First, CollegeTuitionCompare lists the 2024-25 average undergraduate tuition for accounting programs at $29,073. Second, EducationData (March 2025) shows that a typical in-state student at a public four-year school spends $27,146 per year in total cost of attendance, while private nonprofit students spend $58,628.

Online learners often pay by the credit hour—commonly $300–$550—avoid housing fees, and can keep full-time jobs, reducing opportunity costs. Many institutions also cap per-term tuition or offer textbook-included rates, shaving thousands off the traditional four-year bill.

Accelerated paths—such as an accelerated online specialist degree in education— compound the savings: finishing in 30 months instead of 48 trims at least a year of tuition and living expenses. Prospective students should weigh per-credit charges, technology fees, and transfer-credit policies to find the true “all-in” figure.

While bachelor's programs cost more, associate degrees in accounting offer a budget-friendly launchpad, averaging just $10,200 in tuition. As shown below, this low-cost entry point can lead to transfer pathways or immediate employment—ideal for students seeking flexibility or testing the waters before committing to a full four-year degree.

Average tuition cost for an associate's degree in accounting program.

What are the financial aid options for students enrolling in an online taxation management degree program?

Even online students tap the same funding streams as their on-campus peers. NCES reported in July 2023 that 72% of undergraduates received some form of aid in 2019–20, with 40% receiving Pell Grants and 34% taking federal loans. Knowing these avenues—and how to combine them—can make an accelerated program far more affordable, whether you’re pursuing a business-focused credential or the shortest master's degree in homeland security online.

Federal Pell Grant – need-based gift aid; up to $7,395 for 2025-26, never repaid.
Direct Subsidized/Unsubsidized Loans – low-interest federal loans; pay after graduation.
Federal Work-Study – part-time campus or remote jobs that offset tuition.
State Grants & Scholarships – awards for residents; amounts and rules vary by state.
Institutional Aid – merit or need awards from the university itself; many online programs bundle textbooks or tech.
Private Scholarships – industry groups, nonprofits, and CPA societies fund accounting majors.
Employer Tuition Assistance – IRS allows companies to give workers up to $5,250 tax-free each year.
VA Education Benefits – GI Bill® covers tuition, fees, and housing for eligible veterans.

Mixing grants (which lower upfront cost) with manageable borrowing and employer or veteran benefits keeps debt in check while you sprint toward that taxation management credential.

What are the prerequisites for enrolling in an online taxation management degree program?

Most accelerated online accounting-tax programs set admission bars similar to traditional four-year schools, but they package the checkpoint items into a streamlined digital workflow. Meeting the basics early—especially math readiness and official paperwork—keeps you from losing your place in rolling-start cohorts. The same streamlined process also applies to programs like an accelerated master's degree in management information systems online, where efficiency and early preparation are key to staying on track.

Typical prerequisites:

Accredited high-school diploma or GED – proof of completion must be on file before the first term.
Official transcripts from every school attended; many colleges now accept secure e-transcripts.
Minimum GPA (≈ 2.5–3.0); NCES notes GPA is the strongest predictor of first-year success.
College-level algebra or higher; 85 % of 2019 grads already finished Algebra II, a baseline most 2024 catalogs still expect.
SAT/ACT scores optional—over 80 % of U.S. four-year institutions will stay test-optional for Fall 2025.
Online application and fee plus short personal statement; some schools waive fees during promotional windows.
Government-issued ID (and, for transfers, up to 90 credit evaluations).

Submitting everything at least four weeks before the session start lets advisors map transfer credits and confirm financial aid on time.

The demand for accounting professionals remains steady, reinforcing the value of degrees in taxation and financial management. Over 1.5 million accountants and auditors were employed in the U.S. in 2023, As shown in the image below, the demand is growing, with a projected job growth of 6% by 2033—proof that meeting program prerequisites is more than just a formality; it’s a gateway to a solid career path.

The projected job growth for accounts and auditors in the US.

What courses are typically in an online taxation management degree program?

Core study mirrors a campus accounting major but uses condensed eight-week blocks and cloud tax software. Because taxation sits at the intersection of law and finance, expect rigorous writing and spreadsheet work alongside debits and credits. The AICPA’s new CPA-Evolution blueprint shows why: the Regulation (REG) exam section—heavy on tax—posted a 62.6 % cumulative pass rate in 2024, the highest of any core section.

As tax systems increasingly migrate to digital platforms, some students complement their degree with specialized technology training, such as the fastest online cloud engineering bootcamps, to better understand secure data handling, cloud-based tax software, and automation tools that modern accounting firms rely on.

Common courses (sample titles & 30-word sketches):

Federal Income Tax I – individual returns, exclusions, credits, Form 1040 prep.
Corporate Taxation – entity selection, dividends, mergers, Subchapter C issues.
Accounting Information Systems – databases & controls, QuickBooks/Xero labs.
Intermediate Accounting I & II – GAAP, revenue recognition, long-term liabilities.
Auditing & Assurance – risk, evidence, sampling, internal control testing.
Cost/Managerial Accounting – budgeting, variance analysis, break-even models.
Business Law for Accountants – contracts, UCC, agency, bankruptcy basics.
Tax Research & Ethics – IRC navigation, circular 230 standards, client memos.

What types of specializations are available in online taxation management degree programs?

Once the fundamentals are locked, students can tailor electives to niche roles with salary upside. Demand is strongest where tax overlaps analytics and strategy: the BLS pegs financial-manager pay at a $161,700 median in 2024, and many of those leaders start in tax planning. Similar pathways reward skills also valued in advanced finance degrees and accelerated healthcare MBA online programs, which increasingly emphasize cross-functional knowledge in finance, policy, and organizational strategy.

For those aiming to expand their strategic reach beyond taxation into brand strategy and market positioning, pairing a tax degree with a fast-track MBA in marketing online can provide a unique edge in consulting, corporate leadership, or financial product marketing.

Popular specialization tracks:

Corporate Tax Planning – large-entity compliance, multi-state apportionment, ASC 740.
International Taxation – transfer pricing, treaties, BEPS rules, foreign tax credits.
Forensic Accounting & Fraud – investigative techniques, litigation support, ACFE prep.
Estate & Trust Taxation – gift strategies, fiduciary returns, wealth transfer models.
Tax Technology & Data Analytics – automating returns, Power BI dashboards, AI risk flags.
Public Accounting/CPA Readiness – advanced auditing, REG/TCP capstones, Becker labs.

Each emphasis swaps 12-18 credits of guided electives for standard business options, keeping total credits at 120.

The demand for accounting professionals remains steady, reinforcing the value of degrees in taxation and financial management. As shown in the chart below, over 1.4 million accountants and auditors were employed in the U.S. in 2023, with a projected job growth of 4% by 2032—proof that meeting program prerequisites is more than just a formality; it’s a gateway to a solid career path.

What postgraduate credentials can further boost my taxation management career?

In a competitive tax landscape, supplementing your degree with advanced certifications or further studies can distinguish your expertise. Credentials such as CPA, CMA, or specialized tax certifications enhance your technical proficiency and signal industry readiness. For those aiming to progress into leadership roles, an MBA with a finance concentration builds essential strategic and managerial skills. Exploring options like cheapest MBA programs may offer a cost-effective pathway to broaden your professional impact. Meticulously selecting a complementary credential can strategically position you to navigate evolving regulatory challenges and drive business growth.

Are interdisciplinary accelerated degrees a smart complement to an online taxation management degree?

Exploring complementary accelerated programs can further sharpen managerial, analytical, and project oversight skills that are valuable in fast-paced tax environments. Some learners find that blending core tax expertise with methodologies from other sectors deepens their strategic perspective. For example, candidates may examine pathways such as a 2-year construction management degree to access project management principles and operational dynamics that can translate to enhanced leadership in tax settings. Such interdisciplinary exposure can also bolster problem-solving and adaptability when facing evolving regulatory and market conditions.

How do you choose the best among the fastest online taxation management degree programs?

Thousands of accredited options compete online, so create a scorecard before clicking “apply.” Up-front vetting protects your ROI and sets you up for post-grad goals such as how to become a certified public accountant.

Key decision factors:

Regional & program accreditation – SACSCOC, HLC, or AACSB/ACBSP guarantee rigor.
Accelerated calendar – six- or eight-week terms and flat-rate tuition speed completion.
CPA exam outcomes – schools that top the 2024 REG pass-rate average (62 %) show strong faculty support.
Transfer-credit generosity – some programs honor up to 90 credits, trimming cost.
Live versus asynchronous mix – decide how much real-time interaction you need.
Career services & recruiter ties – Big 4 pipelines, VITA clinics, alumni mentoring.
Total price, not sticker – include textbooks, tech fees, and any residency intensives.
Student-support metrics – look for ≤ 20:1 student-faculty ratios and 24/7 tutoring.

Balancing these elements against personal schedule, budget, and state licensing rules yields a shortlist that fits both your timeline and your long-term tax-career ambitions.

For students exploring other career paths, comparing accelerated business degrees—such as the shortest master's program in supply chain management—can provide insight into how program length, specialization, and delivery format affect both cost and career trajectory.

What career paths are available for graduates of online taxation management degree programs?

A bachelor’s in taxation management funnels graduates into roles that touch every corner of corporate finance. Zippia counted 79,204 open tax-manager postings in early 2025 and a 10 % five-year salary jump—evidence that demand is rising faster than talent supply. Many alumni springboard into specialized practice or advance through employer-funded MBA accounting programs, widening their path to executive offices.

Tax Manager – Leads compliance strategy; Zippia places average pay near $96 K and forecasts 123 K new jobs this decade
Senior Tax Analyst – Preps complex returns, researches code; median $79,029 in 2025
Corporate Tax Accountant – Files quarterly/annual returns for public firms; BLS median for accountants is $81,680
Financial Manager (Tax Focus) – Shapes enterprise tax policy; median $161,700 in 2024
IRS Revenue Agent – Audits returns, enforces statutes; falls under accountant classification, $81,680 median
Controller/Director of Tax – Oversees global tax risk; average director pay tops $113,000

These tracks reward analytical precision and offer clear ladders from staff roles to six-figure leadership positions.

While salary ranges vary by role and experience, the average annual wage for accountants and auditors sits at $90,780, as shown below. That baseline makes even entry-level tax careers financially solid—and with advancement, professionals can break into six-figure territory across industries and specializations.

The average annual salary of accountants and auditors in the US

What is the job market for graduates with an online taxation management degree?

The outlook is robust: the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 6% growth for accountants and auditors from 2023-33, with roughly 130,800 openings each year. Tax specialists feed that pipeline because every new merger, ESG credit, or global-minimum-tax rule adds compliance work that can’t be automated away.

Higher up the ladder, the BLS expects financial-manager employment to surge 17%—about 75,100 openings annually—through 2033, nearly triple the national average growth rate. These roles increasingly demand deep tax literacy to minimize liabilities and steer strategy. Overall, business-and-financial occupations should generate 963,500 openings a year and offer a median wage of $80,920 (May 2024), far above the $49,500 cross-occupation median.

Because tax work aligns well with hybrid and fully remote models, employers cast wider nets, letting graduates of accredited online programs compete coast-to-coast without relocating—another tailwind for job seekers entering the field in 2025 and beyond. Interestingly, professionals looking to diversify their skills often combine a taxation degree with IT-related credentials, such as accelerated CCNA certification training online, to strengthen their competitive edge in tech-driven finance and compliance environments.

The following chart reinforces this strong outlook: employment for accountants and auditors is projected to grow faster than the national average across all occupations. This edge in job growth highlights the enduring demand for skilled tax professionals, especially in a regulatory climate that’s only getting more complex.

Here's What Graduates Have to Say About Their Online Taxation Management Degree Programs

I completed my 120-credit program in just 28 months, which let me sit for the REG section of the CPA exam a year ahead of schedule. That head start paid off—getting hired during tax season was seamless. The speed of the program gave me a real competitive edge. Selene
Group projects ran in real time using cloud-based tax software. I collaborated on multistate returns with classmates from five different states—exactly the kind of work my firm handles every quarter. It felt like on-the-job training before I even graduated. Arjun
The fully online format saved me from relocating and allowed me to keep my analyst role. Just six weeks after graduating, I doubled my income to $96K by stepping into a tax manager position. Now I’m setting my sights on the CMA. Mireya

Key Findings

$81,680 median pay for accountants and auditors in May 2024 (BLS).
17 % job growth projected for financial managers, 2023-33 (BLS).
130,800 openings yearly for accountants and auditors through 2033 (BLS).
Average public-college COA $30,631 for 2025; per-credit online rates often $300-$550.
72 % of undergrads received financial aid in 2019-20 (NCES).
$96,100 average salary for U.S. tax managers in 2025 (Zippia).

Other Things You Should Know About the Fastest Online Taxation Management Degree Programs

Can I sit for the CPA exam with just the bachelor’s?

Most states require 150 total credit hours to become license-eligible. An online taxation bachelor’s covers 120 credits, so you’ll generally need 30 more—often met through graduate courses, a certificate, or extra electives. Many online schools bundle “CPA bridge” tracks that let you add the hours during your senior year, ensuring you meet state board rules before scheduling Uniform CPA Exam sections.

What technology will I need for success in an online tax program?

Expect a reliable laptop, high-speed internet, dual-monitor capability, and a webcam for proctored exams. Programs typically license cloud tax suites like Intuit ProConnect or CCH Axcess; students receive free access. Spreadsheet skills are essential, so courses lean heavily on Excel or Google Sheets add-ins. Check your school’s tech checklist early to verify processor, RAM, and operating-system requirements.

How do internships or practica work for remote students?

Schools partner with CPA firms, VITA clinics, or corporate tax departments nationwide. You’ll complete 120- to 180-hour internships either in person near your ZIP code or virtually using secure file-sharing portals. Faculty supervise via weekly Zoom check-ins and reflective journals. These experiences satisfy upper-division credit, strengthen résumés, and can count toward the 150-hour CPA requirement in many jurisdictions.

How much weekly study time should I budget?

Accelerated eight-week courses move twice as fast as a 16-week semester. Plan on 15-20 hours per week for each three-credit class—reading the IRC, preparing returns, and posting to discussion boards. Full-time online students often take two courses per term, totaling 30-40 study hours weekly. Effective time management—calendar blocking, early assignment starts, and limiting non-essential commitments—is critical to staying on track.