Published on November 18, 2024 by Catherine Smith  

The accounting program in Samford University’s Brock School of Business has been recognized by the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy as one of the leading programs in the U.S. based on Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Exam first-time pass rates on the 2023 exam.

Candidates from Brock School of Business achieved an overall first-time pass rate of 78.3%. This success ranked the accounting program No. 1 in Alabama, No. 8 in the nation among medium-sized universities, and No. 32 in the nation overall. This places Samford’s program in the top 5% of all accounting programs nationally.

“We have historically ranked among the top universities in Alabama on CPA exam pass rates. The accounting program’s achievement of a top 10 national ranking, however, obviously puts us in some rather elite company,” said William Belski, associate professor of accounting.

The 2023 exam consisted of four parts—Auditing and Attestation, Business Environment and Concepts, Financial Accounting and Reporting, and Regulation—that candidates had to pass to obtain their CPA license. Rankings were based on whether a candidate passed one of these sections on their first attempt.

“This success obviously speaks both to the intense dedication of our accounting faculty, Alan Blankley, Brandi Holley, Garrison LaDuca, Kyle Outlaw, Cameron Pearce, and the extraordinary quality of our hard-working students,” said Michelle Newberry, assistant professor of accounting. “Small class sizes have allowed us to provide our students with individualized attention, while also maintaining a highly rigorous program.”

This year, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants changed the CPA Exam, retaining three core parts and adding one discipline-specific section. Candidates now can choose from among Business Analysis and Reporting, Information Systems and Controls, or Tax Compliance and Planning for their elective section.

“We spent the last 18 months adapting our accounting curriculum to these new exam requirements,” said Cynthia Frownfelter-Lohrke, accounting department chair. “We are confident these changes will allow us to continue graduating students, who are well prepared for their future accounting careers.”

This remarkable achievement highlights why Samford University is ranked No. 8 nationally for career preparation by the Wall Street Journal, showcasing the university’s commitment to equipping students with the knowledge and skills needed for success in their professional pursuits.

 
Samford is a leading Christian university offering undergraduate programs grounded in the liberal arts with an array of nationally recognized graduate and professional schools. Founded in 1841, Samford is the 87th-oldest institution of higher learning in the United States. Samford enrolls 6,101 students from 45 states, Puerto Rico and 16 countries in its 10 academic schools: arts, arts and sciences, business, divinity, education, health professions, law, nursing, pharmacy and public health. Samford fields 17 athletic teams that compete in the tradition-rich Southern Conference and ranks 6th nationally for its Graduation Success Rate among all NCAA Division I schools.