March 11, 2026

This piece is sponsored by Augustana University. 

Augustana University accounting graduates who took the Uniform Certified Public Accountant Examination for the first time in 2024 had the highest pass rate in South Dakota and the sixth-highest in the nation.

That’s according to the latest data released by the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy, which first began collecting data on CPA exam candidates in 1982 and reporting them in 1985.

Among its first-time test-takers, Augustana alumni led the way in the state in 2024 — earning an average pass rate of 75 percent, compared with the state’s 56.1 percent rate and the national rate of 53.8 percent. Augustana’s average score was 77.8, compared with the state average of 72 and national average of 71.3.

Out of the first-time test-takers, Augustana’s graduates also were some of the youngest with an average age of 23.6, compared with the state average of 28 and national average of 27.9.

Out of 721 institutions with 10 or more reported candidates, Augustana was ranked No. 6 nationally among first-time test-takers in 2024. Augustana was also ranked No. 5 out of 222 small institutions in the nation, which consists of programs with 10 to 19 reported candidates taking the test for the first time.

“Our students work very hard in the classroom, and we update our curriculum frequently to stay abreast of the changing CPA exam blueprints,” said Angela Olson, Augustana associate professor of business administration. “With their hard work and dedication, and our focus on curriculum alignment to the CPA exam, AU alumni have proved they are fully prepared to take the exam and succeed at high levels.”

To become a licensed CPA at the time these scores were reported, a graduate first had to pass the Uniform CPA Examination. In 2024, the CPA exam introduced a new CPA Evolution Model to better prepare CPAs for technology and evolving market demands. The CPA exam consisted of three four-hour core sections instead of four, which included Auditing & Attestation, Financial Accounting & Reporting and Regulatory & Legal. The new model also required candidates to pass one of the three discipline sections, which consisted of Business Analysis & Reporting,  Information Systems & Controls and Tax Compliance & Planning. Graduates had to pass all sections within 30 months — earning a minimum score of 75 on each section.

“We are very proud of our alumni and our accounting programs. We have held our high state and national rankings through the change of the CPA exam,” said Laura Hybertson, Augustana associate professor of accounting and director of the Master of Professional Accountancy program. “This demonstrates how our program provides a solid foundation of skills and then builds on top the ability to adapt to the changing conditions they will find in the accounting industry.” 

Augustana has been nationally recognized for its CPA exam pass rate in the past. In 2020, the university ranked No. 1 among all 721 institutions and No. 1 among 234 small institutions when its graduates took the test for the first time. In 2023, among first-time test-takers, Augustana graduates had the highest pass rate in South Dakota and the sixth-highest in the nation — the same as the most recent data.

For information about the accounting major at Augustana, visit augie.edu/accounting. To learn more about the Augustana MPA program, visit augie.edu/MPA.