"We can say that the accounting students who come out of Auburn are some of the most prepared to not only pass the CPA exam, but to succeed in the accounting profession altogether.”                                                                                                                                                                                                        -- D. Boyd Busby, Executive Director of the Alabama State Board of Accountancy

Harbert College’s School of Accountancy continues to soar! 

According to a recent National Association of State Boards of Accountancy report, Harbert College graduates, Master of Accountancy (MAcc) students, and undergraduates, combined to rank No. 25 nationally for first-time CPA exam pass rates for programs larger than 60 candidates. The previous high ranking for Auburn was No. 38 in 2017.

D. Boyd Busby, Executive Director of the Alabama State Board of Accountancy lauded the Harbert College School of Accountancy and its graduates.

"For years, the accounting students at Auburn have excelled not only with the CPA exam but in their careers as well," he said. "To a person, the Auburn students are grounded not only academically but also ethically. Congratulations to the students and the faculty for the wonderful pass rates on the exam. Truly, we can say that the accounting students who come out of Auburn are some of the most prepared to not only pass the CPA exam, but to succeed in the accounting profession altogether.”

Of the 187 Harbert College students and graduates who sat for the exam in 2019, 77.9 percent passed all four sections on the first attempt – better than any other institution in Alabama by five percentage points. 

“The School of Accountancy takes pride in developing students through our graduate and undergraduate programs and preparing them to become leaders in the industry,” said Duane Brandon, Director of the Harbert College of Business School of Accountancy. “Our mission is to develop highly sought-after graduates who are professionally prepared, confident and ethical. Pass rates on the CPA exam – and success at accounting firms across the nation – are a testament to the quality and dedication of our talented faculty.”

This news comes of the heels of recently-released CPA exam first-time pass rates for the Master of Accountancy Class of 2020, where 87 percent of Auburn MAcc students passed the exam – compared to the national average of 63 percent.

The School of Accountancy was also recognized by U.S. News & World Report in September. In its annual higher education ranking report, U.S. News ranked Harbert College’s School of Accountancy 25th nationally – and 17th among programs from public institutions.

Consistently ranked among the nation’s top programs with graduates succeeding at respected firms, Harbert College’s School of Accountancy provides opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and online education. For more information, visit: https://harbert.auburn.edu/about/academic-departments/school-of-accountancy.html