So you’ve got your bachelor’s degree — probably around 120 credit hours — and now you’re staring down a 30-credit gap standing between you and your CPA license. So what is the cheapest way to get 150 credits for CPA licensing? The traditional advice is to get a master’s degree. But at $20,000 to $50,000 (or more), that’s a big ask, especially when you’re already juggling work, studying for the CPA exam, and planning your career.

Here’s the good news: a master’s degree is not your only option. There are several legitimate, state board-approved ways to earn those remaining credits at a fraction of the cost. This guide breaks them down honestly — from cheapest to most expensive — so you can make the right call for your situation.

Quick note: CPA education requirements vary by state. Always verify with your specific state board before enrolling in any program. You can find state-specific requirements on our CPA requirements by state pages or on the NASBA website.

The Real Cost of the 30-Credit Gap

Most bachelor’s degrees award 120 credit hours. Most states still require 150 credit hours for CPA licensure — meaning you need an additional 30 credits beyond your undergraduate degree.

Thirty credits sounds like a lot. But in practical terms, that’s about 10 three-credit courses. The question is just where you take them and how much you pay per credit.

Here’s a side-by-side comparison of your main options:

OptionAvg. Cost Per CreditTotal Est. Cost (30 credits)Time to CompleteAccredited
Online College Courses (e.g., CpaCredits.com)~$75–$150$2,250–$4,5002–6 monthsYes
Community College$150–$300$4,500–$9,0001–2 semestersYes
Certificate Programs$200–$500$6,000–$15,0006–12 monthsVaries
Master’s Degree (MAcc or MBA)$500–$1,500+$15,000–$50,000+1–2 yearsYes

Let’s walk through each option in detail.

Option 1: Affordable Online College Courses — Best Balance of Cost and Reliabilit

Estimated cost: $2,250–$4,500 for 30 credits

This is where services like CpaCredits.com come in. Rather than enrolling in a full master’s program, you take individual, self-paced courses through accredited partner universities — only the courses you actually need, nothing more.

Each course is worth 3 credits and takes about 4–6 weeks to complete at your own pace. Your partner university sends your transcript directly to your state board, so there’s no logistical guesswork on your end.

Pros:

  • Significantly cheaper than a master’s degree or certificate program
  • Fully self-paced — work around your job and exam prep schedule
  • Regionally accredited transcripts accepted by state boards
  • Take only the courses you need (no wasted tuition)
  • Free transcript evaluation to know exactly which courses to take

Cons:

  • Requires consistent self-motivation
  • Not a degree program (if you want a master’s credential alongside the credits, look at Option 5)

Best for: Working professionals who want to close their credit gap as affordably and efficiently as possible, without committing to a full graduate program.

A real example: One CpaCredits student, Mike T., had completed his bachelor’s with 124 credits and needed to reach 150 quickly while working full-time. By taking self-paced online courses, he reached 150 credits in under six months — at a cost that was a fraction of a master’s degree.

Option 2: Community College — Affordable and Widely Accepted

Estimated cost: $4,500–$9,000 for 30 credits

Community colleges are a time-tested option. In-state tuition for community colleges typically runs $150–$300 per credit, which is significantly cheaper than a four-year university. Courses are accredited and widely accepted by state boards.

Pros:

  • Low cost relative to universities
  • Regionally accredited — credits accepted by virtually all state boards
  • In-person or hybrid options available if you prefer a classroom setting
  • Some community colleges offer CPA-focused curricula

Cons:

  • You’re locked into a semester schedule (typically 16 weeks per course)
  • Less flexible than fully self-paced online options
  • Not all community colleges offer the specific accounting or business courses your state board requires

Best for: Candidates who prefer structured, in-person learning and want an affordable option without the time pressure of self-paced study.

Tip: Before enrolling, verify that the specific courses you plan to take will satisfy your state board’s subject matter requirements (e.g., many states require a minimum number of upper-level accounting credits).

Option 3: Certificate Programs — More Expensive, But More Focused

Estimated cost: $6,000–$15,000

Graduate certificate programs in accounting, taxation, or business analytics typically run 12–18 credits and are designed for working professionals who already have a bachelor’s degree. They’re more affordable than a full master’s but more structured than taking courses à la carte.

Pros:

  • Focused curriculum relevant to CPA career paths
  • You earn a credential (certificate) in addition to the credits
  • Often offered online with flexible scheduling

Cons:

  • More expensive per credit than community college or online course options
  • May still leave you short of 30 credits (most certificates are 12–18 credits)
  • You’re paying for the full program whether or not every course is required by your state board

Best for: Candidates who want a credential to supplement their resume and are willing to pay more for a structured, career-relevant program.

Option 4: Master’s Degree — Most Expensive, But Has Its Place

Estimated cost: $15,000–$50,000+

A Master of Accounting (MAcc), Master of Science in Taxation (MST), or MBA is the most expensive way to reach 150 credits, but it’s the right move for some candidates.

Pros:

  • Meets the 150-hour requirement while adding a graduate credential to your resume
  • Strong preparation for the CPA exam
  • Some employers value or reimburse the degree
  • 4+1 combined programs can be very efficient for current undergraduates

Cons:

  • Expensive — often $20,000–$50,000 or more
  • Takes 1–2 years of full or part-time study
  • Significant overkill if your only goal is meeting the credit requirement

Best for: Current undergraduates who can enroll in a 4+1 combined program, or candidates whose employers offer tuition reimbursement and who want the graduate credential for career advancement (though, in the accounting world, it is generally the CPA designation that matters and not the graduate degree).

What Counts Toward the 150 Credits? Know Your State’s Rules

Before choosing any option, you need to know exactly what your state board will and won’t accept. Here are the key questions to answer:

1. How many accounting-specific credits does your state require? Many states require a minimum number of upper-level accounting credits (e.g., Texas requires 21 upper-level accounting credits and 24 upper-level business credits). General electives alone won’t cut it.

2. Does your state accept online credits from accredited institutions? Most do — but “accredited” is the key word. Look for regional accreditation (not just national accreditation). Courses from regionally accredited colleges are the gold standard for state board acceptance.

3. Are you still 30 credits short, or more? If you have a non-accounting background, you may need more than 30 credits to meet both the total hour requirement and the specific accounting course requirements. A free transcript evaluation (offered at CpaCredits.com) can map this out for you clearly.

The 150-Hour Rule Is Changing — Does It Affect You?

It’s worth knowing that the 150-hour requirement is actively being reconsidered across the country. States like Ohio, Virginia, and Utah have already passed legislation allowing candidates to qualify for CPA licensure with 120 credit hours plus two years of relevant work experience — as an alternative to the traditional 150-hour path.

More states are expected to follow. The AICPA and NASBA have also proposed a competency-based pathway at the national level.

What this means for you: If you’re in a state that has already adopted or is considering an alternative pathway, it’s worth checking whether you might qualify without needing the additional credits at all. However, if your state still requires 150 hours (which most still do as of 2026), the options above remain your roadmap.

Check our state-by-state CPA requirements pages for the latest on your state.

How to Choose the Right Option for You

Here’s a simple decision framework:

  • Lowest possible cost, flexible schedule, working professional → Online courses via CpaCredits.com
  • Prefer in-person structure, cost-conscious, not in a rush → Community college
  • Want a credential alongside the credits, willing to spend more → Certificate program
  • Current undergrad, employer pays, want a graduate degree → Master’s program

Get a Free Transcript Evaluation

Not sure exactly which courses you still need? CpaCredits.com offers a free transcript evaluation that maps your existing credits against your state board’s requirements and tells you exactly what you need — and the fastest, most affordable way to get it.

Get your free evaluation →

Frequently Asked Questions

Do online credits count toward CPA licensure requirements? Yes, in most states — as long as the courses come from a regionally accredited institution. Always verify with your state board before enrolling.

How quickly can I finish 30 credits online? With self-paced online courses, many candidates complete 30 credits in 3–6 months.

Can I take any courses, or do they have to be accounting-related? It depends on your state. Most states require a certain number of accounting and business credits specifically. General electives can fill some of the gap, but you’ll likely need some subject-specific courses too.

What’s the difference between regional and national accreditation? Regionally accredited schools (e.g., those accredited by HLC, SACSCOC, WASC, etc.) are the standard accepted by state boards of accountancy. Nationally accredited schools are often not accepted. Always check before enrolling.

What if my state is moving to a 120-credit pathway? Check your specific state board’s website or our state requirements pages. If your state has adopted an alternative pathway, you may be able to qualify without the additional credits — but requirements and timelines vary.

CpaCredits.com partners with regionally accredited universities to offer self-paced, affordable online courses designed to help CPA candidates reach 150 credit hours efficiently. All courses are worth 3 credits and transcripts are sent directly to your state board.

Updated: May 2026