Retraining Report
Find training

Accounting and bookkeeping classes in Tennessee

12 accounting and bookkeeping programs with costs, results and funding that can make them free

9 schools offer these accounting and bookkeeping programs, and Tennessee has approved every one for workforce funding. Each shows its price if you pay yourself and how past students did.

Bookkeeping and accounting clerks record and check financial data so an organization keeps complete, accurate books. Some employers want college classes or a degree in accounting, others hire people with a high school diploma and train them on the job; certification is not usually required.1 In Tennessee, 2 of the 12 programs take students without a high school diploma, and 9 are taught partly or fully online.

See the 12 programs

How much do accounting and bookkeeping classes cost in Tennessee?

Certificates and short courses (6 programs)
$2,442 to $4,170most of them, usually 17 to 52 weeks long
Two-year degrees (5 programs)
$10,524 to $10,862most of them

What you pay yourself for the whole program, as the schools report it. "Most" is the middle half of the programs with a price.

In the typical program

Finished the program
63%
Working 6 months later
78%
Earned a year, estimated
about $37,500
Length
27 to 55 weeks

Source: US Department of Labor, program year 2024 (July 2024 to June 2025). Only programs approved for workforce funding are listed; other schools in Tennessee may also offer accounting and bookkeeping classes. How these figures are made

Are there free accounting and bookkeeping classes in Tennessee?

Who qualifies, and other ways to pay: financial aid, grants and the GI Bill

Accounting and bookkeeping classes in Nashville, Kingsport, Knoxville and other Tennessee cities

Choosing an area filters the list below. 1 in smaller cities and towns and 4 online.

All 12 accounting and bookkeeping programs in Tennessee approved for WIOA funding

Filters
What you need to enroll
Kind of program
How it's taught
How to show the list

12 programs

  • Accounting (associate degree)In personHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Accounting

    Nashville State Community College

    Nashville

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Nashville State Community College, Nashville · Accounting (associate degree) · In person · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimated$55,300
    Price if you pay yourself$10,930
    Program website, Accounting at Nashville State Community College
    More details about Accounting at Nashville State Community College
    Finished
    94%
    Working at 6 months
    91%
    Earned in a quarter
    $13,822
    Length
    Not reported
    Cost of supplies
    None listed
    Students counted
    413
    a year, estimated
    $55,300
    price
    $10,930

  • Accounting program (level not stated)In personHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Accounting

    University Of Tennessee At Martin

    Martin

    High school diploma or equivalent

    University Of Tennessee At Martin, Martin · Accounting program (level not stated) · In person · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimated$33,400
    Price if you pay yourself$40,832

    5 students trained with WIOA funding

    Program website, Accounting at University Of Tennessee At Martin
    More details about Accounting at University Of Tennessee At Martin
    Finished
    59%
    Working at 6 months
    79%
    Earned in a quarter
    $8,347
    Length
    112 weeks, 15 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $6,000
    Students counted
    311
    a year, estimated
    $33,400
    price
    $40,832
    trained with WIOA funding
    5

  • Accounting (associate degree)HybridHigh school diploma or equivalent

    ACCOUNTING - general transfer

    Columbia State Community College

    Columbia

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Columbia State Community College, Columbia · Accounting (associate degree) · Hybrid · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimated$25,100
    Price if you pay yourself$10,560
    Program website, ACCOUNTING - general transfer at Columbia State Community College
    More details about ACCOUNTING - general transfer at Columbia State Community College
    Finished
    48%
    Working at 6 months
    77%
    Earned in a quarter
    $6,278
    Length
    Not reported
    Cost of supplies
    $1,000
    Students counted
    309
    a year, estimated
    $25,100
    price
    $10,560

  • Accounting (associate degree)HybridHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Accounting Degree Program, AAS

    Pellissippi State Community College

    Knoxville

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Pellissippi State Community College, Knoxville · Accounting (associate degree) · Hybrid · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimated$41,500
    Price if you pay yourself$9,052
    Program website, Accounting Degree Program, AAS at Pellissippi State Community College
    More details about Accounting Degree Program, AAS at Pellissippi State Community College
    Finished
    67%
    Working at 6 months
    70%
    Earned in a quarter
    $10,379
    Length
    Not reported
    Cost of supplies
    $1,060
    Students counted
    182
    a year, estimated
    $41,500
    price
    $9,052

  • Accounting (associate degree)HybridHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Accounting (AAS)

    Virginia Highlands Community College

    Abingdon, VA

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Virginia Highlands Community College, Abingdon, VA · Accounting (associate degree) · Hybrid · High school diploma or equivalent

    Classes are outside Tennessee; Tennessee approved the program for its funding.

    Earned a year, estimated$26,400
    Price if you pay yourself$10,862
    Program website, Accounting (AAS) at Virginia Highlands Community College
    More details about Accounting (AAS) at Virginia Highlands Community College
    Finished
    100%
    Working at 6 months
    83%
    Earned in a quarter
    $6,606
    Length
    64 weeks, 14 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $5,025
    Students counted
    99
    a year, estimated
    $26,400
    price
    $10,862

  • Accounting certificateHybridHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Accounting Technology

    Northeast State Community College

    Blountville

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Northeast State Community College, Blountville · Accounting certificate · Hybrid · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimated$50,100
    Price if you pay yourself$4,902
    Program website, Accounting Technology at Northeast State Community College
    More details about Accounting Technology at Northeast State Community College
    Finished
    33%
    Working at 6 months
    56%
    Earned in a quarter
    $12,520
    Length
    32 weeks, 15 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $743
    Students counted
    27
    a year, estimated
    $50,100
    price
    $4,902

  • Bookkeeping certificate or courseOnlineEducation and courses

    Accounts Payable Specialist Certification (Exam Cost Included) (GES2074)

    Nashville State Community College

    Based in Nashville, TN

    Education and courses

    Nashville State Community College, based in Nashville, TN · Bookkeeping certificate or course · Online · Education and courses

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$1,295
    Program website, Accounts Payable Specialist Certification (Exam Cost Included) (GES2074) at Nashville State Community College
    More details about Accounts Payable Specialist Certification (Exam Cost Included) (GES2074) at Nashville State Community College
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    12 weeks, 30 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    None listed
    Students counted
    Not reported
    a year, estimated
    Not reported
    price
    $1,295

  • Bookkeeping certificate or courseOnlineHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Certified Bookkeeper (Online)

    Volunteer State Community College

    Based in Gallatin, TN

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Volunteer State Community College, based in Gallatin, TN · Bookkeeping certificate or course · Online · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$2,195
    Program website, Certified Bookkeeper (Online) at Volunteer State Community College
    More details about Certified Bookkeeper (Online) at Volunteer State Community College
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    5 weeks, 30 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    None listed
    Students counted
    Not reported
    a year, estimated
    Not reported
    price
    $2,195

  • Bookkeeping certificate or courseOnlineNo diploma needed

    Bookkeeping Administration - Live Mentored (PTLIM0007)

    Nashville State Community College

    Based in Nashville, TN

    No diploma needed

    Nashville State Community College, based in Nashville, TN · Bookkeeping certificate or course · Online · No diploma needed

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$3,184
    Program website, Bookkeeping Administration - Live Mentored (PTLIM0007) at Nashville State Community College
    More details about Bookkeeping Administration - Live Mentored (PTLIM0007) at Nashville State Community College
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    52 weeks, 6 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    None listed
    Students counted
    Not reported
    a year, estimated
    Not reported
    price
    $3,184

  • Bookkeeping certificate or courseHybridHigh school diploma or equivalent

    Professional Bookkeeping with QuickBooks (Online BPPB-02)

    Austin Peay State University

    Clarksville

    High school diploma or equivalent

    Austin Peay State University, Clarksville · Bookkeeping certificate or course · Hybrid · High school diploma or equivalent

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$3,195
    Program website, Professional Bookkeeping with QuickBooks (Online BPPB-02) at Austin Peay State University
    More details about Professional Bookkeeping with QuickBooks (Online BPPB-02) at Austin Peay State University
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    52 weeks, 40 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    $81
    Students counted
    Not reported
    a year, estimated
    Not reported
    price
    $3,195

  • Bookkeeping certificate or courseOnlineNo diploma needed

    Certified Administrative Assistant & Professional Bookkeeper (Online WE-BP-77111)

    Austin Peay State University

    Based in Clarksville, TN

    No diploma needed

    Austin Peay State University, based in Clarksville, TN · Bookkeeping certificate or course · Online · No diploma needed

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$4,495
    School website, Certified Administrative Assistant & Professional Bookkeeper (Online WE-BP-77111) at Austin Peay State University
    More details about Certified Administrative Assistant & Professional Bookkeeper (Online WE-BP-77111) at Austin Peay State University
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    52 weeks, 5 hours a week
    Cost of supplies
    None listed
    Students counted
    Not reported
    a year, estimated
    Not reported
    price
    $4,495

  • Accounting (associate degree)In personEducation and courses

    Accounting - Ttp

    Chattanooga State Community College

    Chattanooga

    Education and courses

    Chattanooga State Community College, Chattanooga · Accounting (associate degree) · In person · Education and courses

    Earned a year, estimatedNot reported
    Price if you pay yourself$10,524
    Program website, Accounting - Ttp at Chattanooga State Community College
    More details about Accounting - Ttp at Chattanooga State Community College
    Finished
    Not reported
    Working at 6 months
    Not reported
    Earned in a quarter
    Not reported
    Length
    Not reported
    Cost of supplies
    $1,500
    Students counted
    Not reported
    a year, estimated
    Not reported
    price
    $10,524

How to pay for accounting and bookkeeping classes in Tennessee

WIOA funding can pay for accounting and bookkeeping classes in Tennessee

Every program on this page is approved for WIOA funding: public workforce funding under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. It can pay for training for eligible adults, people who lost their job and young people.2People on public assistance, with a low income or lacking basic skills come first, and veterans have priority.3Your state or local area may limit how much WIOA pays and for how long. If a program costs more, a Pell Grant, a scholarship or severance pay can cover the rest.4

Ask at an American Job Center

Eligibility rules apply, and services vary from state to state. Your local American Job Center can tell you whether you qualify. The Department of Labor's page links to the center finder, or call 1-877-US-2JOBS (1-877-872-5627).5

Financial aid and grants for accounting and bookkeeping classes

Most students can get federal student aid for college, career school or trade school. A Federal Pell Grant, unlike a loan, usually doesn't have to be repaid. Ask the school whether its program qualifies.67

GI Bill for accounting and bookkeeping classes

Veterans, service members and qualified dependents can use GI Bill benefits for non-college training programs.8

The program list does not show which programs accept these. Ask the school.

Does WIOA pay for job training? Who qualifies and how to apply

Quick facts: Accounting and bookkeeping classes in Tennessee

lowest typical price among the states with enough programs to compare
30th of 36
other states where the typical program's graduates earned less
14 of 19
accounting and bookkeeping programs here, against the typical state's 12
12 vs 12

State comparisons use the same figures as the accounting and bookkeeping classes by state table: the middle program of each state, and only states with three or more schools for prices. Source: US Department of Labor, program year 2024 (July 2024 to June 2025).

Where the Tennessee accounting and bookkeeping program numbers come from

Which Tennessee accounting and bookkeeping programs are on this list?

These are the accounting and bookkeeping programs Tennessee approved for WIOA funding (public workforce funding under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act), as reported to the US Department of Labor for program year 2024 (July 2024 to June 2025). Each state keeps its approved programs on an eligible training provider list (ETPL).9 The list here covers programs approved as of June 30, 2025. Schools that never applied for approval are missing, so this is a part of what Tennessee offers.

How Tennessee accounting and bookkeeping program prices are reported

The price is tuition and required fees for someone paying without workforce funding, as the school reported it. "Trained with WIOA funding" on a program counts the people whose training there WIOA paid toward through a training account in program year 2024; the file never gives counts under 3, so a program without the line may still take WIOA students. It does not say how much of the price WIOA covered. Prices under $100 are treated as not reported, because the file holds many blanks entered as $0. Check the current price with the school.

What the graduate results of these programs measure

The figures at the top of this page are the middle program among those that report results: half did better, half did worse. Results describe students who left each program in recent years: the share who finished, the share working in the second quarter after leaving, and the middle earnings of those working in that quarter. States report earnings for that one quarter because they take them from the wage reports employers file every three months. The yearly figure here is that quarter times four, rounded to the nearest $100: an estimate, and an early one, since it is measured about half a year after training. The quarter as reported is under "More details" on each program. Results are withheld for small programs, and they describe past students, so they are no guarantee.

Why do some accounting and bookkeeping programs say "Not reported"?

Where a school or the state left a field empty, or the Department of Labor withheld it, the page says "Not reported". Nothing here is estimated to fill a gap.

Why the kind of school is left off each program

The file also records whether a school is public, private or nonprofit, but those entries are wrong too often to print next to a school's name, so this page leaves them out.

Other training in Tennessee

Sources for the facts about accounting and bookkeeping classes in Tennessee

Show the 9 sourcesHide the sources
  1. US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook: Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks
  2. US Department of Labor, TrainingProviderResults.gov: About This Site
  3. US Department of Labor: WIOA Adult Program
  4. Code of Federal Regulations, title 20, part 680, sections 680.220, 680.230 and 680.310: career services before training, other grants such as Pell Grants first, and limits on Individual Training Accounts (GovInfo, 2024 edition)
  5. US Department of Labor: American Job Centers
  6. US Department of Education, Federal Student Aid: Eligibility for Federal Student Aid
  7. US Department of Education, Federal Student Aid: Don't Miss Out on Federal Pell Grants
  8. US Department of Veterans Affairs: GI Bill benefits for non-college degree programs
  9. US Department of Labor, Training and Employment Guidance Letter 8-19, Attachment I: Requirements for Training Providers, Program Eligibility, and the State Eligible Training Provider (ETP) List