UK Accounting Students' Scores Continue to Rise

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Sept. 27, 2010) – The most recent statistics for the CPA (Certified Public Accountant) exam pass rate show that the 2008-09 class of master's degree students from the University of Kentucky Gatton College of Business and Economics' Von Allmen School of Accountancy again did extremely well.

"Our students' pass rates are exemplary and are in the 90th percentile range for each part," said John Smigla, senior lecturer and director of the Master's of Science in Accountancy (MSACC) in the Gatton College. "22 out of 28 students from our August 2009 graduating class have passed all four parts of the CPA exam and another four students have passed three parts."

Smigla added that four students scoring in the upper 90th percentile range received awards from the Kentucky Society of CPAs.

"Given our CPA exam results in 2009 and comparing them to National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) statistics for that year, we would rank fourth nationally for highest pass rates among first-time candidates with advanced degrees had our candidates been identified as UK Master's of Science in Accountancy (MSACC)  graduates," said Smigla. He continued, "We have yet to receive results for the financial section of the CPA exam for this year's class at this point in time but the results for the other three sections are consistent with last year."

Dave Ziebart is professor and director of the Von Allmen School. "We continue to be pleased with the results that our enhanced accountancy offerings are helping to deliver for our students," said Ziebart. "And, give credit to our students, as well. Their hard work definitely is bearing fruit."

D. Sudharshan, dean of the Gatton College, added, "Our students continue to prove they can compete 'toe to toe' with the best and brightest from business schools across this nation. The same can be said for our strong and innovative faculty."