12-12-06

Media Release

OSU Accounting Students Excel Nationally in CPA Exam for Second Year in a Row

CORVALLIS, Ore. – Compared to the national rate of 29 percent, recently published results show that 44 percent of Oregon State University students passed the Certified Public Accounting exam. In addition, OSU ranked fifth in the nation in one of the four portions of the exam for first-time candidates without advanced degrees.

This is the second year that OSU students far surpassed the national average.

“I’m very proud of them,” said Roger Graham, professor of accounting. “It speaks well to the types of students who come to OSU and graduate from here.”

The CPA exam has four parts: financial accounting and reporting (FAR); auditing and attestation (AUD); regulation (REG); and business environment and concepts (BEC). OSU ranked fifth in the nation on the BEC portion of the exam, with 85 percent of OSU students passing.

The National Association of the State Boards of Accountancy has recognized Oregon as an “honor roll” state this year. “Honor roll” states are ones that achieved higher passing scores in every subject than the national average. The state of Oregon was ranked No. 7 in the country on this honor roll list for first-time candidates taking the CPA exam.

Ilene Kleinsorge, dean of the OSU College of Business, said accounting is the first discipline recommended to become a major in the new professional school, which was launched in the fall.

“The College of Business’ move to the professional school model leverages the strengths of all our programs, including accounting,” Kleinsorge said. “The rigor of the accounting curriculum and activities increases a graduate’s probability of success in a chosen career.”