Lakeland Community College is ranked as having one of the Best Online Certificates in Accounting of 2024 by Forbes Advisor.

The ranking highlights Lakeland's high-quality, affordable online accounting certificate options which provide career-focused training for this in-demand field.

Forbes Advisor ranked 43 accredited, nonprofit colleges offering online undergraduate accounting certificates in the U.S. using 12 data points in the categories of credibility, affordability, student outcomes and student experience. They chose the 10 best schools to display based on those receiving a curved final score of 85% or higher.

Lakeland ranked #10 and was listed as Best for Small Business Accounting.

Forbes Advisor’s education editors said, “Lakeland Community College offers unique accounting certificates, including a small business accounting certificate. You’ll learn how to manage accounting needs through courses in accounting information systems, financial accounting and financial management for small businesses.”

They continued, “Lakeland CC offers three additional accounting certificates. 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 these categories was pulled from reliable resources such as the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System; private, third-party data sources; and individual school and program websites. Data is accurate as of March 2024.

Lakeland's online certificates require just 12-39 credits of coursework, allowing students to specialize in areas like small business accounting, financial accounting and family financial planning.

After completing an accounting certificate, graduates meet the education requirements for roles like accounting clerk or bookkeeper. The median annual pay for these positions was $47,440 in 2023 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Students can also transfer credits toward an associate or bachelor's degree to further expand their opportunities.

Accounting skills are needed across many industries, preparing students for opportunities in bookkeeping, tax preparation, banking and more. An accounting certificate offers targeted training in less time than a full degree program.

By: Adam Continenza, Mrktg and Commun Specialist