Top Accounting Degree Programs In Connecticut
Connecticut’s thriving economy creates a direct path for accounting professionals like you to build rewarding careers close to home. With major employers in insurance, healthcare, and manufacturing actively seeking skilled accountants, positions in auditing, tax planning, and financial analysis remain consistently in demand. The state projects 6% growth for accounting roles through 2032, outpacing national averages, while experienced CPAs here earn median salaries exceeding $85,000 annually—with top earners clearing six figures in leadership roles. Companies like The Hartford, Aetna, and Yale New Haven Health System rely on local talent to manage their complex financial operations, offering stability and advancement opportunities you won’t find in every state.
An online accounting degree positions you to compete for these roles without pausing your current job or family commitments. Programs from respected Connecticut institutions blend rigorous coursework in areas like forensic accounting and data analytics with practical skills employers value. You’ll gain expertise in software platforms like QuickBooks and SAP while meeting the 150-credit requirement for CPA licensure—all through a format designed for working adults. This approach lets you immediately apply new knowledge to real-world scenarios, whether you’re analyzing budget trends for a nonprofit or optimizing tax strategies for small businesses.
With multiple Connecticut universities offering accounting curricula, you can choose programs that align with your career timeline and learning preferences. The flexibility of online education means you’re not limited by geography when accessing quality instruction, allowing you to build connections with faculty and peers across the state. As industries from fintech to renewable energy expand their Connecticut footprints, your specialized accounting skills become the key to securing roles that offer both intellectual challenge and financial stability.
Online Accounting Programs in Connecticut
University of New Haven
The University of New Haven offers a Bachelor of Science in Accounting that can be completed online. This program emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills, preparing students for diverse roles in accounting and finance. The curriculum covers financial accounting, managerial accounting, auditing, and taxation. The University of New Haven is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Post University
Post University offers online accounting degree programs designed to provide students with a strong foundation in accounting principles and practices. These programs often include coursework in financial accounting, cost accounting, auditing, and taxation. Post University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Best Online Accounting Degree Programs in Connecticut
Below are the top-ranked Online Accounting programs in Connecticut, ranked according to quality, accreditation, cost, and other important factors.
University of New Haven
Bachelor of Science in Accounting
Key Highlights
- The University of New Haven's Bachelor of Science in Accounting is designed for working adults and community college students as a degree completion program.
- The program focuses on providing practical, applied accounting knowledge and skills.
- Students gain proficiency in analysis software, such as Excel.
- The program prepares students for the CPA license.
- The curriculum is continuously updated with input from an accounting advisory board.
- The University of New Haven is accredited by AACSB and the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Program Description
The University of New Haven's online B.S. in Accounting is a degree completion program designed for working adults and community college students. The program focuses on providing practical, applied accounting knowledge and skills, with an emphasis on preparing students for the CPA license. The curriculum is continuously updated with input from an accounting advisory board, ensuring it reflects current industry practices and developments.
Program Features
- Accreditation: AACSB, New England Commission of Higher Education
- Transfer Credits: Accepted
Skills You'll Gain
Knowledge of fundamental business concepts, Problem-solving using quantitative and analytical techniques, Proficiency in analysis software (e.g., Excel), Understanding of global business practices, Application of ethical principles, Effective written and oral communication, Teamwork
Tuition & Costs
- Cost Per Credit: $510
Post University
Bachelor of Science in Accounting
Key Highlights
- The Bachelor of Science in Accounting program covers financial and managerial accounting and auditing standards and procedures.
- Students gain skills in accounting principles, financial statement preparation, tax law interpretation, and auditing techniques.
- The program aims to build skills for accounting, auditing, financial examining, and tax examining.
- The program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).
- Coursework covers ethics in business, writing, and oral communication.
Program Description
The Bachelor of Science in Accounting program offers foundational knowledge in financial and managerial accounting, financial statement preparation and analysis, tax law, reporting and compliance, and auditing standards and procedures. Coursework covers ethics in business, writing, and oral communication. Students gain a practical understanding of business concepts in marketing, management, finance, and economics. The program aims to build skills for accounting, auditing, financial examining, and tax examining.
Program Features
- Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
- Transfer Credits: Accepted
Skills You'll Gain
Accounting principles, Financial statement preparation, Tax law interpretation, Auditing techniques, Communication, Ethics
Tuition & Costs
- In-State Tuition: $15,834/year
- Out-of-State Tuition: $15,834/year
Sample Courses
Financial Accounting Principles, Managerial Accounting, Financial Statement Preparation and Analysis, Tax Law Reporting and Compliance, Auditing Standards and Procedures
Why Get an Online Accounting Degree in Connecticut?
Pursuing an online accounting degree in Connecticut positions you to capitalize on a stable regional job market with opportunities emerging in key industries. While the state’s overall accounting employment is projected to grow 3% through 2030 according to O*NET labor data, specific sectors like fintech and renewable energy are expanding faster than statewide averages, creating specialized roles in financial compliance and sustainability reporting. With 2,450 annual job openings expected through the decade, you’ll find consistent demand across corporate, government, and nonprofit settings—particularly in Fairfield County’s growing fintech corridor and Hartford’s insurance cluster. Connecticut’s status as the fifth-highest-paying state for accountants, means your degree directly connects to earning potential that outpaces most regions, especially when paired with credentials from programs approved by the Connecticut State Board of Accountancy.
The state’s industry concentration gives you access to employers actively seeking locally trained talent. Online programs often incorporate case studies from Connecticut-based companies like Synchrony Financial and Travelers Insurance, letting you develop skills directly applicable to roles in risk management or corporate auditing. Many courses align with the Connecticut Society of CPAS’s professional development initiatives, making it easier to network with potential mentors and employers through virtual career fairs or hybrid networking events. You’ll also gain eligibility for state-specific scholarships like the CTCPA Educational Foundation awards, which prioritize accounting students committed to building careers within Connecticut.
As automation reshapes routine tasks, Connecticut employers increasingly value accountants who can analyze financial data trends and advise on strategic decisions—skills emphasized in online programs through courses in predictive analytics and regulatory frameworks. With remote work options expanding your reach to employers across the New York-Connecticut financial corridor, your online degree becomes a flexible tool for accessing high-impact roles without relocating. Now is the time to build expertise in Connecticut’s dominant industries while positioning yourself for leadership opportunities as experienced professionals retire—start exploring programs that fit your career timeline and align with the state’s evolving financial landscape.
Where Can You Work After Graduating?
Connecticut offers diverse opportunities for accounting graduates, with major firms and growing companies actively hiring across the state. The 2025 rankings of top accounting firms highlight BlumShapiro as a leading regional employer, known for roles in tax advisory, audit services, and forensic accounting. This firm emphasizes mentorship programs and hybrid work models, making it accessible for recent graduates seeking hands-on experience with mid-sized businesses. Another standout from the same rankings is Fiondella Milone & Lasaracina (FML), which specializes in industries like manufacturing and nonprofits, offering entry-level positions in financial reporting and compliance with structured career progression paths.
Hartford serves as a key hub for corporate accounting roles, particularly in insurance and healthcare sectors. Glassdoor’s Hartford-focused list identifies KPMG as a major employer, with its local office hiring for audit associates and risk advisory roles. The firm provides global project exposure and certifications support, appealing to those interested in international career mobility. Nearby, The Hartford Financial Services Group frequently recruits financial analysts and internal auditors, offering rotational programs that let you explore different accounting functions within the insurance giant’s corporate structure.
Beyond traditional firms, statewide finance employers include Synchrony Financial in Stamford, which hires for accounts payable specialists and financial planning roles. The company promotes flexible scheduling and tuition reimbursement, ideal for professionals balancing work with continued education. Startups like Betterment in Fairfield County are expanding their finance teams, seeking graduates comfortable with fintech tools and automated accounting systems.
To maximize opportunities, connect with local chapters of the Connecticut Society of CPAs or attend industry meetups in Stamford and New Haven. Many firms prioritize candidates with internships at Connecticut-based organizations, so consider temporary roles or project-based work to build regional connections early in your job search.
How Much Can You Earn as an Accountant in Connecticut?
If you’re considering an accounting career in Connecticut, salary expectations depend heavily on experience and credentials. According to Indeed’s statewide data, the average accountant earns $74,336 annually, with entry-level roles typically starting around $55,000–$62,000 for those with 0–2 years of experience. Mid-career professionals (3–7 years) often see salaries climb to $68,000–$85,000, influenced by factors like industry specialization or advanced software proficiency. ZipRecruiter’s 2025 projections show slightly lower averages at $64,998 yearly ($31.25 hourly), reflecting variations in employer size and geographic location within the state—urban hubs like Stamford or Hartford often pay 10–15% more than rural areas. Senior accountants with 8+ years of experience can earn over $95,000 annually, particularly in corporate finance or government roles.
Certifications significantly boost earning potential: Indeed’s CPA-specific data shows certified public accountants in Connecticut average $110,465 yearly, nearly 50% higher than non-certified peers. Specializing in high-demand areas like forensic accounting or tax compliance can add another 10–20% to these figures. Connecticut salaries generally outpace national averages—for example, the U.S. median accountant salary sits around $71,000, making the state’s $74,336 average notably competitive.
Future salary growth looks stable, with remote accounting roles expanding access to higher-paying coastal employers while maintaining Connecticut-based pay scales. Industries like insurance and manufacturing, which dominate the state’s economy, continue to drive demand for experienced professionals. Staying current with certifications like the CPA or CMA and mastering cloud-based accounting platforms could position you for salaries exceeding $120,000 in leadership roles within the next decade.
Licensing Information For Online Accounting in Connecticut
How Do You Get Licensed as an Accountant in Connecticut?
To become a licensed CPA in Connecticut through online accounting programs, follow these steps:
Step 1: Meet Educational Requirements
You must earn a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and complete 150 semester hours of education. According to CPA Educational Requirements - CT.gov, this includes 36 semester hours in accounting (covering auditing, financial reporting, and taxation) and 30 semester hours in business or economics (like finance, marketing, or management). Many online programs structure curricula to meet these standards, but verify your courses align with the state’s specifications.
Step 2: Pass the Uniform CPA Exam
Apply for the exam through the Connecticut State Board of Accountancy via NASBA. The exam includes four sections: Auditing and Attestation, Business Environment and Concepts, Financial Accounting and Reporting, and Regulation. Pay the $1,000+ exam fee (varies by section) and complete all parts within 18 months. If you passed sections in another state, Certified Public Accountants - CT.gov requires transferring scores directly to Connecticut’s board.
Step 3: Gain Work Experience
Complete 1 year (2,000 hours) of supervised accounting work under a licensed CPA. Experience must include auditing, tax preparation, or financial analysis. Remote work qualifies if your supervisor verifies tasks meet professional standards.
Step 4: Submit License Application
File your application with the Connecticut State Board of Accountancy, including:
- Official transcripts sent directly from your school
- Proof of passed CPA exam sections
- Employment verification forms signed by your supervising CPA
- $200 application fee
- Fingerprints for a state and federal background check ($90 fee)
Processing takes 6–8 weeks. Once approved, you’ll receive a license number for practice.
Step 5: Maintain Active Status
Renew your license every year by December 31. Complete 40 hours of continuing education annually, including 4 hours in ethics. Courses must align with Connecticut’s approved subject areas, which many online providers offer.
Reciprocity for Out-of-State CPAs
If licensed elsewhere, you can apply for Connecticut licensure by endorsement if your original state’s requirements match or exceed Connecticut’s. Submit verification of your license and exam scores, along with proof of completed continuing education.
For updates or forms, visit the Connecticut State Board of Accountancy directly. Keep digital copies of all documents for future audits or renewals.
FAQs About Online Accounting Degree Programs in Connecticut
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can you become a CPA with an online accounting degree in Connecticut? A: Yes, if your program meets Connecticut’s 150-credit requirement and holds proper accreditation. Both University of New Haven (AACSB) and Post University (ACBSP) meet standards recognized by the Connecticut State Board of Accountancy. Verify your coursework includes 36 accounting credits and 30 business/economics credits as specified by state rules.
Q: How long does it take to complete an online accounting program? A: Full-time students typically finish bachelor’s programs in 4 years. Accelerated tracks or prior credits may reduce this to 3 years. Part-time enrollment often extends timelines to 5-6 years, depending on course load.
Q: Are these programs accredited for CPA licensure? A: Yes—University of New Haven holds AACSB accreditation, while Post University is ACBSP-accredited. Both meet Connecticut’s educational standards for CPA eligibility when combined with 150 total credits. Always confirm program alignment with state licensure requirements.
Q: What’s the average cost per credit for these programs? A: University of New Haven charges $510 per credit. Costs at other schools vary; public institutions often range $300-$400, while private colleges may exceed $600. Contact financial aid offices for exact rates and fee structures.
Q: Do employers in Connecticut accept online degrees? A: Most employers recognize degrees from accredited online programs equally. Major firms like BlumShapiro and The Hartford regularly hire graduates from University of New Haven and Post University’s online accounting programs.
Q: Can you work while completing an online accounting degree? A: Absolutely. Online programs offer asynchronous classes and flexible scheduling. Many students balance 15-20 hours of weekly coursework with full-time jobs, particularly in self-paced formats.
Q: What software skills do these programs teach? A: Expect training in QuickBooks, Excel, SAP, and data visualization tools like Tableau. Courses often integrate industry-standard platforms for tax preparation (TurboTax) and audit simulations.
Q: Are there scholarships for online accounting students in Connecticut? A: Yes—the CTCPA Educational Foundation offers awards for state residents. University of New Haven and Post University provide institutional scholarships specifically for accounting majors, with amounts varying by academic performance.