Published on February 7, 2025 by Catherine Smith  

Samford Accounting Today RankingThe accounting program in Samford University’s Brock School of Business has been recognized by Accounting Today as one of the leading programs in the U.S. based on the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Success Index.

Since its introduction in 2020, the CPA Success Index has emerged as a key benchmark for evaluating collegiate accounting programs. Designed to assess how well these programs prepare students to pass all four sections of the CPA exam within the critical 18-month window, the index is widely regarded as a trusted indicator of CPA readiness, highlighting institutions that consistently produce graduates equipped for success in the accounting profession.

With an impressive CPA Success Index score, Samford’s accounting program ranks No. 31 nationally and No. 10 in medium-sized Master of Accountancy programs. This places Samford's program in the top 6% of all accounting programs nationally and the top 4% of medium-sized programs.

“Samford’s commitment to refining the accounting curriculum over the past 18 months has been driven by a focus on student success,” said Cynthia Frownfelter-Lohrke, interim accounting department chair. “Achieving a No. 31 national ranking and placing No. 10 among medium-sized Master of Accountancy programs reflects the strength of our program. We take pride in equipping our graduates with the skills and knowledge to thrive in their accounting careers.”

These rankings place Samford among the most elite accounting programs in the country, reinforcing its reputation for academic excellence and career readiness.

“This ranking is a testament to the dedication and perseverance of both our students and faculty,” said Chad Carson, dean of Brock School of Business. “Their commitment to academic excellence continues to drive the success of Brock School of Business.”

In addition to Accounting Today’s ranking, Samford's accounting program also ranks in the Top 5% nationally for first-time CPA exam pass rates.

These achievements highlight why Samford is ranked No. 8 nationally for career preparation by the Wall Street Journal, showcasing the university’s commitment to equipping students with the knowledge and skills needed for their professional pursuits.

 
Samford is a leading Christian university offering undergraduate programs grounded in the liberal arts with an array of nationally recognized graduate and professional schools. Founded in 1841, Samford is the 87th-oldest institution of higher learning in the United States. Samford enrolls 6,101 students from 45 states, Puerto Rico and 16 countries in its 10 academic schools: arts, arts and sciences, business, divinity, education, health professions, law, nursing, pharmacy and public health. Samford fields 17 athletic teams that compete in the tradition-rich Southern Conference and ranks with the second highest score in the nation for its 98% Graduation Success Rate among all NCAA Division I schools.