As reported in public accounting magazine Accounting Today, KU this year ranks No. 9 of 529 universities with a CPA Success Index rating of 0.680. Across all universities, the average CPA Success Index based on 2023 data was 0.33. The index evaluates the prospect of students completing all four parts of the CPA exam on the first time within an 18-month timeframe. 

The KU School of Business program is one of four nationwide to consistently appear in the top 10 of each CPA success rankings since the index’s inception in 2020.

“We are incredibly honored and excited to receive this recognition, which reflects the dedication and hard work of our faculty and students,” said Alee Phillips, director of the school’s Master of Accounting program. “Being one of four schools consistently ranked in the top 10 is a testament to the exceptional work happening in our classrooms and our commitment to preparing students for this significant milestone in their careers.”

The rankings are based on data from the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy’s (NASBA) annual report from 2023, which was published in late 2024. It only reviews programs with more than 20 candidates and splits programs based on size to ensure meaningful comparisons. The most recent report shows that KU’s first-time pass rate for students with a graduate degree is 81.4% and 69% for students with only an undergraduate degree. The equivalent national pass rate for the same time period is 54.3%.

The KU Master of Accounting program sets students up for success through an integrated curriculum that combines advanced coursework with CPA exam review, ensuring graduates meet certification requirements in most states. 

The KU School of Business and its accounting program both hold accreditations by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, a distinction earned by only 194 institutions. 

Enriching the student experience by continuing to provide excellent business education is one of the School of Businesses’ priorities in the current campus fundraising campaign with KU Endowment. For information on how you can help support the School of Business, please contact David Byrd-Stadler, Team Lead Business Development, at KU Endowment (785 832-7308).