Top Accounting Degree Programs In Colorado
Colorado’s thriving economy creates a strong demand for skilled accountants, with industries like tech, energy, and outdoor recreation driving growth across the state. Whether you’re aiming to pivot into a new career or advance in your current role, an online accounting degree offers a practical path to qualify for roles in auditing, tax preparation, or financial analysis. You’ll gain skills directly applicable to Colorado’s job market, where major employers like Deloitte, Lockheed Martin, and local government agencies actively seek professionals with accounting expertise.
Salaries here reflect the value placed on these roles—accountants in Colorado earn a median wage of $82,000 annually, with top earners surpassing $110,000 in high-demand sectors. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects steady job growth through 2032, ensuring your credentials remain relevant long-term. Online programs let you balance coursework with existing commitments, whether you’re working full-time in Denver or living in rural areas with limited access to campus-based education. Some Colorado schools are recognized for blending academic rigor with real-world relevance, giving you confidence in the quality of your education without relocating or pausing your career.
The flexibility of online learning doesn’t mean sacrificing hands-on experience. Many programs integrate software training in tools like QuickBooks or Excel, mirroring the tasks you’ll handle in roles at firms like PwC or regional powerhouses such as CH2M Hill. With Colorado’s mix of startups, established corporations, and nonprofit organizations, your accounting skills can open doors across industries that align with your interests. If you’re ready to explore how an online accounting degree fits your goals, detailed program information can help you take the next step efficiently.
Best Online Accounting Degree Programs in Colorado
Below are the top-ranked Online Accounting programs in Colorado, ranked according to quality, accreditation, cost, and other important factors.
MSU Denver
Online Accounting, B.S.
Key Highlights
- The MSU Denver Online Accounting B.S. program provides a foundation in accounting principles and practices applicable to business environments.
- Graduates will gain knowledge and professional experience needed for accounting careers.
- Students will gain skills in tax accounting, technology, financial analysis, and auditing.
- MSU Denver's accounting program is accredited by AACSB.
Program Description
The online Bachelor of Science in Accounting program at MSU Denver provides students with a strong foundation in accounting principles and practices relevant to various business environments. The program focuses on developing a deep understanding of accounting functions in contemporary business, covering areas from tax accounting to technology. Graduates will gain the knowledge and professional experience needed to pursue careers in accounting.
Program Features
- Accreditation: AACSB
- Transfer Credits: Accepted
Skills You'll Gain
Tax accounting, Technology proficiency, Financial analysis, Auditing, Accounting principles, Business acumen
Tuition & Costs
Colorado State University Global
Bachelor of Science in Accounting
Key Highlights
- This Bachelor of Science in Accounting program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools & Programs (ACBSP).
- The program is a 120-credit program.
- Graduates will gain skills in accounting principles, financial data analysis, and auditing.
- The curriculum incorporates automation, business intelligence, and data analytics.
- A dual enrollment option is available for an accelerated master's degree.
- The program is endorsed by IMA.
- Courses include Forensic Accounting and Business Valuation with Artificial Intelligence and Business Intelligence in Taxation.
- Multiple options/concentrations are available including Data Management and Analysis and Foundations of Accounting.
Program Description
The online Bachelor of Science in Accounting at CSU Global is a 120-credit program designed to prepare students for various accounting careers. The curriculum emphasizes real-world scenarios, case studies, and hands-on practice, incorporating automation, business intelligence, and data analytics. Graduates will be equipped to analyze financial data, improve accounting systems, and demonstrate leadership in the evolving field of AI-driven accounting. The program also offers a dual enrollment option for an accelerated master's degree.
Program Features
- Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Business Schools & Programs (ACBSP)
- Concentrations: Organizational Leadership, Project Management, Human Resources and Organizational Development, Marketing, Emergency Management, Healthcare Management, Applied Social Sciences, Business Administration, Communication, Criminal Forensics, Criminology, Data Management and Analysis, Foundations of Accounting, Information Technology Management, Information Technology Operations, Intelligence and Homeland Security, Operations Management and Supervision, Public and Non-Profit Management, Public Relations, Web Application Development
- Transfer Credits: Accepted
Skills You'll Gain
Accounting principles, financial data analysis, automation in accounting, business intelligence, data analytics, auditing, taxation
Tuition & Costs
- Cost Per Credit: $375
- Additional Cost Information:
- No out-of-state tuition.
- No fees.
- No tuition increases.
Guaranteed.
Sample Courses
ORG300 - Applying Leadership Principles, MKG310 - Introduction to Marketing, MGT315 - Business Law, ACT300 - Principles of Accounting and Analytics, ACT350 - Intermediate Accounting I...
Why Pick an Online Accounting Degree in Colorado?
Choosing an online accounting degree in Colorado positions you to capitalize on a job market expanding faster than national averages. The state projects a 23% increase in accounting roles through 2030, adding over 9,000 positions, according to Colorado Employment Trends. This outpaces the 6% national growth rate forecast by the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, reflecting Colorado’s unique economic momentum driven by tech innovation, renewable energy expansion, and a thriving startup ecosystem. Denver and Boulder serve as hubs for industries like SaaS and clean energy, where demand for accountants skilled in compliance, tax strategy, and financial forecasting continues to rise. Online programs prepare you for these opportunities with coursework in cloud-based accounting tools and industry-specific regulations, ensuring you’re ready to step into roles at firms supporting Colorado’s fastest-growing sectors.
The state’s blend of corporate headquarters and entrepreneurial ventures creates diverse pathways—whether auditing for aerospace contractors in Colorado Springs, managing budgets for Denver-based healthcare providers, or advising Boulder tech startups on venture capital reporting. Remote-friendly programs also let you build local connections through virtual networking events hosted by organizations like the Colorado Society of CPAs, bridging the gap between online education and in-person career opportunities. With employers increasingly prioritizing candidates who understand regional market dynamics—like tax incentives for renewable energy projects or compliance standards for federal contractors—an online degree rooted in Colorado’s economic landscape gives you a strategic edge.
As industries adapt to evolving financial regulations and sustainability initiatives, your ability to analyze data, optimize budgets, and navigate state-specific compliance frameworks will position you for roles with long-term stability. Programs emphasizing real-world software training (e.g., QuickBooks Online, Xero) ensure you graduate with skills employers like indinero or Lockheed Martin actively seek. With Colorado’s accounting workforce expected to exceed 49,000 professionals by 2030, now is the time to align your education with a market where expertise translates directly into career advancement. Explore programs that integrate Colorado’s industry trends into their curriculum, and start building the credentials to thrive in this high-growth field.
Where Can You Work After Graduating?
Colorado’s growing economy creates strong demand for accounting professionals, with opportunities ranging from major corporate employers to innovative startups. Firms like Ehrhardt Keefe Steiner & Hottman (EKSH), featured in 2025 rankings from DesignRush, stand out as top regional employers. EKSH offers roles in tax advisory and audit services, with a collaborative team structure that pairs new graduates with senior mentors. Their Denver office emphasizes work-life balance through hybrid schedules and professional development stipends for CPA exam preparation.
Denver’s corporate sector also provides diverse pathways. Healthcare giant DaVita, highlighted on Glassdoor’s Denver hiring list, frequently hires staff accountants and financial analysts. Employees note a fast-paced environment focused on process optimization, with perks like tuition reimbursement and onsite wellness programs. Similarly, Lockheed Martin recruits for cost accounting and compliance roles in the aerospace sector, offering entry-level rotational programs that expose you to government contracting workflows.
For those interested in tech-driven accounting, indinero—ranked in Clutch.co’s Colorado accounting directory—combines cloud-based tools with outsourced CFO services. This firm targets professionals comfortable with software like QuickBooks Online and Xero, offering remote-friendly roles and quarterly skill-building workshops. Startups in Boulder and Denver’s LoDo district also seek accountants familiar with SaaS metrics or venture capital reporting, often prioritizing candidates with experience in early-stage growth environments.
To maximize opportunities, connect with local industry groups like the Colorado Society of CPAs or attend Denver Startup Week’s finance-focused sessions. Many firms post roles through regional job boards like Built In Colorado, and following companies like The 10X Accountant® (another Clutch.co standout) on LinkedIn can provide early alerts for niche roles in advisory or fractional CFO services. Building visibility through these channels helps you align with Colorado’s mix of established firms and emerging innovators.
How Much Can You Earn as an Accountant in Colorado?
If you’re considering an accounting career in Colorado, your earning potential depends on experience, location, and credentials. Recent data shows the average base salary for accountants statewide is $71,046 per year, according to Indeed’s 2025 salary report. Entry-level roles (0-2 years) typically start around $55,000 annually, while mid-career professionals (3-7 years) earn closer to the statewide average. Those in senior positions (8+ years) often see salaries exceeding $90,000, especially in high-demand areas like corporate finance or tech-driven industries. Built In Colorado reports a slightly higher average total compensation of $75,530 when including bonuses and incentives, with entry-level professionals earning $58,000-$65,000 and senior roles reaching $95,000+ in metro areas like Denver.
Location plays a clear role in pay variation. For example, Colorado Springs accountants earn an average of $67,455 annually, as noted by ZipRecruiter’s 2025 data, roughly 6% below the statewide average. Salaries in Boulder or Denver often outpace smaller cities due to higher demand from corporate headquarters and tech firms. Specializations also boost earnings: CPAs in Colorado earn 10-15% more than non-certified peers, and those focusing on tax strategy or forensic accounting can add $5,000-$12,000 to their base pay.
While Colorado’s accountant salaries align closely with national averages, remote roles in online accounting could widen your opportunities. Employers increasingly value cloud-based accounting expertise, which may command premium pay for professionals skilled in platforms like QuickBooks Online or Xero. Over the next decade, demand for accountants in Colorado is projected to grow 6-8% annually, driven by expanding startups and evolving financial regulations. Combining certifications like the CMA or CIA with remote work flexibility could position you for salaries above $100,000, particularly if you target industries like renewable energy or SaaS where Colorado leads nationally.
Licensing Information For Online Accounting in Colorado
What Licensing Steps Do You Need in Colorado?
To become a licensed CPA in Colorado, follow these steps based on current state regulations:
Step 1: Complete Your Education
You need 150 semester hours of college education, including a bachelor’s degree. At least 27 semester hours must cover accounting courses like auditing, financial reporting, and taxation. An additional 21 hours should focus on business administration subjects such as finance or business law, as specified in the Colorado CPA Licensing Requirements from CSU.
Step 2: Pass the Uniform CPA Exam
Apply through the Colorado Board of Accountancy to take all four exam sections: Auditing & Attestation, Business Environment & Concepts, Financial Accounting & Reporting, and Regulation. The exam costs $1,000-$1,500 total, including application and testing fees. Scores expire after 18 months if you don’t pass all sections within that timeframe.
Step 3: Finish Ethics Requirements
Complete the AICPA’s self-study Professional Ethics for CPAs course and pass its exam with a score of 90% or higher. This step is mandatory per the Colorado Board of Accountancy’s application guidelines.
Step 4: Gain Work Experience
Accumulate 1,800 hours (approximately one year full-time) of verified accounting work under an active CPA’s supervision. Experience must include competencies in auditing, financial analysis, tax preparation, or advisory services. Part-time work counts if completed within three years.
Step 5: Submit License Application
File your application through the Colorado Board of Accountancy portal with:
- Official transcripts from all schools attended
- Proof of passed CPA exam scores
- Ethics course completion certificate
- Employment verification form signed by your supervising CPA
- $200 application fee and $60 fingerprint processing fee for a background check
Step 6: Maintain Active License Status
Renew your license every three years by completing 120 continuing professional education (CPE) hours, including 4 hours in ethics. Colorado accepts reciprocal licenses from states with equivalent standards if you relocate, using NASBA’s mobility tool for verification.
For detailed forms or status updates, contact the Colorado Board of Accountancy directly or visit the Colorado Society of CPAs for exam prep resources.
FAQs About Online Accounting Degree Programs in Colorado
Common Questions About Accounting Degrees in Colorado
Q: Can you become a CPA with an online accounting degree? A: Yes, if your program meets Colorado’s 150-credit requirement and is accredited. MSU Denver’s AACSB-accredited online B.S. in Accounting and CSU Global’s ACBSP-accredited program both qualify. You’ll need 27 accounting-specific credits and 21 business credits to sit for Colorado’s CPA exam.
Q: How long does it take to complete these programs? A: Most online bachelor’s degrees take 4 years full-time. CSU Global’s flexible pacing allows working students to extend timelines.
Q: Are these programs accredited for CPA requirements? A: Yes. MSU Denver holds AACSB accreditation (gold standard for business schools), while CSU Global is ACBSP-accredited. Colorado recognizes both for CPA eligibility when combined with the required credit hours.
Q: What makes Colorado's job market unique for accountants? A: Tech startups, renewable energy firms, and federal contractors like Lockheed Martin drive demand for niche skills like SaaS metrics and government compliance. Denver’s 23% projected accounting job growth outpaces national averages.
Q: Do employers accept online degrees from Colorado schools? A: Employers recognize regionally accredited programs like MSU Denver and CSU Global. These schools have curricula matching local industry needs like outdoor recreation finance and cannabis industry accounting.
Q: Are scholarships available for online accounting students? A: MSU Denver offers merit-based awards for accounting majors. CSU Global provides fixed tuition at $375/credit with no fees, reducing financial uncertainty. Both schools accept federal aid and Colorado-specific grants.
Q: Can you work while completing an online accounting degree? A: Yes. CSU Global’s no-set-login model and MSU Denver’s asynchronous courses let you balance work. Over 60% of online accounting students in Colorado maintain full-time jobs during studies.
Q: What support do schools offer for job placement? A: MSU Denver connects students with Denver-based firms through virtual career fairs. CSU Global offers resume reviews and interview prep via its Career Services team, with partnerships in 25+ industries statewide.