Accounting
Follow the money
It’s time to crunch the numbers and balance the books. Earn your 2-year degree or short-term certificate in the art and science of accounting to prepare and analyze financial data. With experience and education, you will be able to make informed business decisions and provide trusted counsel and expert services to clients of all types.
Why study Accounting with us?
We have programs designed for you, wherever you are on your career path. We even offer a professional accounting certificate for people who already have a bachelor’s degree (in any field) and would like to sit for the CPA exam. We prepare you for this challenging career with knowledge and field-specific skills. You learn from expert faculty members who have real-world experience, and you benefit from affordable tuition, financial aid options, numerous support services and small class sizes.
Options to fit your next goal
Your long-term goal may still be developing. Match your next goal to any of our affordable programs:
- Start working in the accounting field: Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.)
- Transfer to earn your bachelor’s degree: Associate in Arts (A.A.)
- Sit for the CPA exam: Professional Accounting Certificate (after your bachelor’s)
While you study and consider your next steps, you receive opportunities for internships, part-time employment positions and full-time jobs with local businesses. These enhance your education and can lead to post-graduation opportunities.
Highlights
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Financial Aid/Scholarships Available
Based on need and/or achievement. Explore ways to pay for college. -
Transfer Degree
Save on your first 2 years and transfer your credits to the 4-year school of your choice. -
Career Degree
Earn an associate degree in 2 years and gain in-demand technical and job-ready skills. -
Career Certificate
Earn a career certificate in 1 year or less to refine your skills into an in-demand career.
Degrees & Certificates
For students planning to transfer to a 4-year college or university for a bachelor’s degree.
These programs are built around general education classes that lead to an associate degree designed to transfer to a 4-year school. CLC participates in the Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI) to ensure that approved courses will transfer to other participating colleges and universities. Transfer degrees typically take 2 years* to complete.
*Assumes full-time enrollment.
For students who want to start or shift to a new career or advance in their current career.
You can earn an Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree at CLC in 2 years*. Gain job-ready skills from experienced instructors and earn work-based experience from apprenticeships and internships. Some of the courses you’ll take earn college credit, which can transfer to a 4-year college or university toward a bachelor’s degree.
*Assumes full-time enrollment.
For students who want to earn job skills for entry level occupations, or level up in their career.
Certificates are designed to be completed in less than 2 years. Many certificate programs contain Career Degree core courses so you can continue with additional study or stack certificates to earn an A.A.S. degree.
Need help?
Your College & Career Navigator (CCN) helps you
- complete the admission process
- choose an academic program
- enroll in first-semester classes
- get access to helpful resources
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Transfer Degree
Accounting
Associate in Arts- Cost
- $12,134*
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Career Degree
Accounting
Associate in Applied Science- Cost
- $12,526*
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Career Certificate
Professional Accounting - Track 1
- Cost
- $5,668*
- Stackable Certificate
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Career Certificate
Professional Accounting - Track 2
- Cost
- $8,457*
- Stackable Certificate
*Cost is estimated based on recommended pathway credit hours. This includes in-district tuition and other fees, such as books and materials before financial aid is applied, as well as grants, loans or scholarships. There are many opportunities for financial assistance at CLC. Learn more about Cost of Attendance.
Turn any bachelor’s degree into a CPA
If you already have a bachelor’s degree, our Professional Accounting certificate program can help you meet the education requirements to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). Learn more about these requirements and how we can help you complete them.
Courses in the program
Prepare for an accounting career with challenging classes and real-world experiences.
Meet our instructors
Experience the benefit of small class sizes and personalized instruction from your CLC instructors.
Take the next step...
Be debt-free at CLC
CLC has some of the lowest tuition around. Financial aid and scholarships are available—even for working adults.
Explore careers
Discover majors and career paths to complement and extend your intuitive interests and abilities.
Request info
Your education is a big investment of your time, money and attention. Gather all the info you need.
Get started
Start your application today—it’s free and easy to complete. When you’re ready, we’re ready to help you take the next step.