NIU’s renowned College of Business added another accomplishment to bolster its reputation.

NIU graduates who sat for the 2007 Certified Public Accountant licensing exam passed all four sections 58.3 percent of the time, according to the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy. That is 12th best in the country and in the top 1 percent of the more than 2,000 schools represented.

“We have a long tradition of success on the CPA exam here at NIU,” said Jim Young, chair of the NIU Department of Accountancy. “We are proud to carry on that tradition.”

NIU graduates routinely had passing rates in the top 10 during the 1980s and 1990s. The 2007 ranking is up 12 spots from the 24th position in 2006.

Young credits the faculty of the accountancy department with the high scores.

“Our faculty are very engaged with our students and passionate with the subject matter,” Young said. “We don’t teach to the exam, we teach the skills needed for the business world, and that translates to success.”

The NIU Department of Accountancy has seen an influx of new teachers in recent years, and Young feels this aids students.

“Our new faculty members are more connected to businesses in the Chicago area,” Young said. “That real world knowledge combined with the same passion for teaching puts our accounting department above other schools.”

NIU also offers a CPA exam review program called “Step into Success.” The program gives a seven-step structure on how to plan and study for the CPA exam.

Shannon McElroy is a junior accountancy major who feels reassured by the 2007 results.

“I feel like everything we do in class is going to help me in the future,” McElroy said. “I have all the confidence in the world that my score on the test and NIU’s reputation will take me far.”

Dean of the NIU College of Business Denise Schoenbachler agrees the accountancy program is one of the top offerings in the College of Business.

“Achievements like this one make you truly appreciate the magnitude of their accomplishments,” Schoenbachler said in a press release. “The Department of Accountancy is truly a source of pride for the college and the university.”