Best Bachelor's in Forensic Accounting Programs in 2027

• Highest Score89.4 out of 100

  Franklin University

  Bachelor of Science in Forensic Accounting

  Ohio · B.S.

  Franklin University's B.S. Review
• Lowest Price$275.65 per credit

  Fort Hays State University

  Bachelor of Science in Financial Forensics and Fraud Investigation

  Kansas · B.S.

  Fort Hays State University's B.S. Review
• Highest Graduate Earnings$103,352 median earnings

  Strongest CredentialsAACSB stated by the school; prepares for CFE

  Loyola University Maryland

  Bachelor of Business Administration in Forensic Accounting

  Maryland · B.B.A.

  Loyola University Maryland's B.B.A. Review

What a Forensic Accounting Bachelor's Includes

You'll usually start with a standard accounting core in a bachelor's in forensic accounting, then add a run of fraud and investigation courses. Franklin University builds a four-course fraud examination sequence into the major. University of Northwestern Ohio has four dedicated forensic courses: Financial Statement Investigation, Forensic Accounting I, Legal Implications of Fraud Examination and Forensic Accounting II.

Some programs blend in neighboring fields. John Jay College of Criminal Justice combines accounting with law, criminology and the social sciences. Fort Hays State University blends accounting, business and criminal justice. Seton Hall University adds criminal justice and business analytics. Southern New Hampshire University includes digital forensics, where you work with real forensic tools and present findings to stakeholders.

Hands-on work shows up in different ways. Franklin University runs a team project that simulates an investigation of a growing company. Texas Wesleyan University asks you to research real fraud cases, and strong student projects can go to fraud conferences. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott offers lab space and software for data visualization.

Choosing Between Online, Hybrid and Campus Programs

You can study fully online at Southern New Hampshire University, Purdue University Global, Franklin University, Champlain College, Fort Hays State University, Davenport University, Lakeland University and Louisiana State University of Alexandria. Many use short terms. Southern New Hampshire University runs eight-week terms, Louisiana State University of Alexandria runs seven-week terms with six sessions a year, and Lakeland University offers 12-week or seven-week courses.

If you'd rather learn in person, Loyola University Maryland, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott, Marywood University, Waynesburg University and DeSales University all teach on campus. That puts you with faculty and classmates in the same room. Franklin Pierce University offers a hybrid 3+1 plan.

Fort Hays State University does both. You can take the program online or on campus, and either way you can join its student chapter of the ACFE.

If you're working while you study, a program with frequent start dates helps. Franklin University lists eight starts a year, and Lakeland University lists six.

What to Check About Price

Compare total cost, not only the per-credit number. Multiply the rate by the credits, then ask about fees, since some schools add registration or technology fees each term.

Online per-credit prices for a bachelor's in forensic accounting vary widely. Fort Hays State University lists the lowest rate of these, $275.65. Champlain College lists $342, and Louisiana State University of Alexandria lists $353.

Southern New Hampshire University lists $354 and Franklin University lists $398. Purdue University Global lists $371 per quarter credit, or $556.50 per semester credit. Southern New Hampshire University prints $42,480 for its 120-credit degree. Franklin University adds a Tuition Guarantee that locks in your first-term rate while you stay enrolled.

Transfer credit can cut your bill. Louisiana State University of Alexandria accepts up to 75 percent of previous credits and states $10,590 as the cost with maximum transfer credits. Lakeland University accepts up to 72 transfer credits.

If you're a military student, you have extra options. Southern New Hampshire University lists $250 per credit for active duty, and Purdue University Global lists reductions of 55% for current servicemembers and 38% for veterans.

Planning for the CFE and the CPA

The ACFE awards the CFE credential through a points system. You need at least 40 points to take the exam, and a bachelor's degree typically earns all 40. You don't need a specific major. To be certified, you'll need 50 points and at least two years of professional experience in fraud-related work. That means the degree gets you started, and your first jobs finish the job.

If you're aiming at the exam, several programs point at it directly. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott covers the four major sections of the ACFE certification. Champlain College and University of Northwestern Ohio state preparation for the CFE exam, and Franklin University draws on ACFE techniques in its curriculum. John Jay College of Criminal Justice offers an ACFE scholarship with awards from $1,000 to $10,000.

For CPA licensure, every state asks for 150 semester hours. That's 30 more than a typical bachelor's degree, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Bachelor's-plus-master's plans help here.

Loyola University Maryland and Rider University offer accelerated MAcc paths. Waynesburg University offers a five-year bachelor's and MBA path. Texas Wesleyan University notes that its MBA can supply the hours for the Texas CPA exam. Your state board of accountancy sets the final rules.