STEPHENVILLE, Texas — Tarleton State University accounting graduates passed the CPA exam for the most recent quarter at a higher rate than all other Texas A&M University System schools and the public universities in the metroplex. 

August results alone for Tarleton grads were the fourth best in Texas, a remarkable 78 percent. For the quarter, Tarleton graduates surpassed the first quarter with a pass rate just under 60 percent.

“In my nearly 25 years at Tarleton State we’ve seldom seen such remarkable results,” said Professor Karen Varnell. “This generation of Tarleton graduates is hard working, and their efforts are paying off with great jobs with great accounting firms and other organizations.”

Dr. Derrill Watson, Department of Accounting, Finance and Economics Chair, noted that the faculty are adapting courses to the needs of 21st-century employers, with an increased emphasis on data analytics and the use of technology in accountancy.

“The devotion of outstanding faculty like Karen creates the bond for our community of learners at Tarleton,” he said. “Our students connect with one another and with our world-class faculty.”

The College of Business is fully accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, the premier accrediting body for business schools. The college serves more than 3,000 undergraduate and graduate students with 13 undergraduate programs and five graduate programs.

A founding member of The Texas A&M System, Tarleton State is breaking records — in enrollment, research, scholarship, athletics, philanthropy and engagement — while transforming the lives of nearly 17,000 students in Stephenville, Fort Worth, Waco, Bryan and online. True to Tarleton’s values of excellence, integrity and respect, academic programs emphasize real world learning and address regional, state and national needs.