GMercyU Ranks 16th for CPA Exam Pass Rates

Gwynedd Mercy University ranked 16th in the nation for CPA exam pass rates among similar-sized schools, and its students pass the exam at a 17% higher rate than the national average. According to data released by the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASABA), GMercyU graduates - most of whom participated in the CPA-Track Accounting Program -had a 2017 CPA exam pass rate of 69.6 percent for all parts of the test, compared to the national average of 52.9 percent.

Accounting Professor Carlo Silvesti knows GMercyU's accounting program is top-notch. Big-name accounting firms know it too, and they've hired several graduates of the program in recent years.

"One thing that's been driving the success of our program is the students who complete 150 program hours here in four years, and then sit for the exam," Professor Silvesti said "Having completed 150 hours in four years makes then driven to pass the four parts of the exam."

One of the ways GMercyU ensures its students are prepared for the exam and successful accounting careers is the recognition that accounting and auditing regulations are updated and changed constantly. To combat this, Professor Silvesti supplements course textbooks by bringing in representatives from local accounting firms to discuss any recent changes to accounting regulations with his students. Students also are members of the local chapter of the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA), and regularly have the opportunity to pursue internships and gain other real-world experience before graduating.

Learn more about GMercyU's Accounting Program with CPA track.