Dixie State University accounting students excel on certification exam

Indicating their career readiness and solid foundation in accounting, Dixie State University students scored the highest on the Certified Public Accountant Exam among all public universities in the state of Utah.

In the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy’s latest edition of “Candidate Performance on the Uniform CPA Examination,” Dixie State ranks the highest among all public universities in the state of Utah based on students’ average CPA test scores. Dixie State students scored an average of 79.1 followed by Utah State University with an average score of 77.6, University of Utah with 76.3, Southern Utah University with 75.1 and Utah Valley University with 75.0. 

“We truly have tremendous accounting students, amazing accounting faculty and great support from our administration,” Nate Staheli, a professor of accounting at Dixie State, said. “I’m proud of our program’s success and very optimistic about the program’s future.”

The annual NASBA publication reports on CPA Exam trends from around the world, offering a wide swath of data on candidates. Another set of data from the association indicates that Dixie State ranked second in the state, just behind Utah State, for students’ pass rate when taking the exam for the first time.

“I believe these results speak to the quality of our accounting program and our institution,” Staheli said. “It truly is an exciting time to be a Dixie State Trailblazer.”

Dixie State’s Accounting Program, which offers master’s and bachelor’s degrees in accounting as well as a minor, integrates educational content with real-world experience, relevant technology and application.

As part of the program, students conduct career research and prepare a plan for accomplishing their career goals. Additionally, they develop business and accounting skills and create and deliver professional-quality presentations and products. Students engage with the community through collaborative learning opportunities and learn how to integrate a commitment to ethical and professional service that honors the public trust.

To learn more about Dixie State University’s Accounting Program, visit accounting.utahtech.edu.