Lakeland Community College has been ranked No. 10 by “Forbes Advisor” as having one of the “Best Online Certificates in Accounting of 2024.”
According to officials, the designation highlights the school’s “high-quality, affordable online accounting certificate options which provide career-focused training for the in-demand field.”
“Forbes” ranked 43 accredited, nonprofit colleges offering online undergraduate accounting certificates in the United States using 12 data points in the categories of credibility, affordability, student outcomes and student experience.
Staff chose the 10 best schools to display based on those receiving a curved final score of 85 percent or higher, with Lakeland listed as “Best for Small Business Accounting.”
According to the finance platform, “Lakeland Community College offers unique accounting certificates, including a small business accounting certificate,” as participants “learn how to manage accounting needs through courses in accounting information systems, financial accounting and financial management for small businesses.”
Additionally, “Lakeland offers three additional accounting certificates, and learners without college experience can enroll in the entry-level general program, while college grads can pursue a financial accounting certificate….
“Finally, a shorter, 12-credit family financial planning certificate covers personal finance, investing fundamentals and small business financial management.”
Data for the categories was pulled from resources such as the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System; private, third-party data sources; and individual school and program websites, Lakeland officials noted, adding data is accurate as of March 2024.
Moreover, Lakeland’s online certificates require “just 12-39 credits of coursework, allowing students to specialize in specific areas, and after completing an accounting certificate, graduates meet the education requirements for roles like accounting clerk or bookkeeper.”
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual pay for these positions was $47,440 in 2023.
Students can also transfer credits toward an associate or bachelor’s degree, Lakeland officials added.
For more information, visit lakelandcc.edu/web/about/accounting-departments.