News & Updates

The ruling says the Education Department violated Congress’s instructions by adding criteria strictly limiting which degrees qualify for higher federal student loan borrowing caps. The CPA profession has actively lobbied against the rule because accounting was not labeled under the 'professional degree' designation.

Spring semester enrollment in four-year undergraduate accounting programs rose 8.9% from spring 2025, according to an AICPA analysis of National Student Clearinghouse Research Center data, sitting at 205,180 students.

New federal student loan limits taking effect in July will change how students finance undergraduate and graduate education.

Richmond (June 1, 2026) — The Virginia Society of Public Accountants (VSCPA) Educational Foundation has awarded accounting students across the Commonwealth a total of $79,500 in scholarships for the 2026–2027 academic year.

The VSCPA joined all other state societies and the AICPA to urge legislators to cosponsor the Accounting STEM Pursuit Act.

The CPA Exam isn’t just a test of book smarts -- it's also a test of grit. It’s about how you manage yourself through the hard times, and there will be hard times. You must ask yourself how willing are you to persist when you’re tired, burnt out, or unsure of success.

Earning a CPA license carries significant weight in the accounting field. Beyond signaling expertise and credibility, it distinguishes you from your peers and opens the door to a wide array of career opportunities across public accounting, corporate finance, government and beyond.

The largest year-over-year rise in job mentions that require artificial intelligence or machine learning capabilities is the role of accountant, according to a new report.

On April 6, 2026, Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger signed legislation into law to establish Inactive and Emeritus CPA license statuses.

Much of the route to successfully passing the CPA Exam is a mental game. How will you stay on track and stay motivated? Here are some ideas.

The CPA Exam is a test of grit. If you want the rewards, take control. Be politely aggressive. The opportunities are there you -- just have to go get them.

Despite an evolving business landscape and the rapid rise of automation and analytics, the core reasons for choosing accounting remain stronger than ever — and in many ways, more compelling.

Passing the CPA exam takes more than study hours. It takes a mindset, a way of showing up for yourself when you’d rather quit, when you’re tired, and when no one else understands why you care this much.

One of the biggest career accelerators for CPAs may be beyond the office. Serving in a volunteer position on a board, whether for a local nonprofit, professional group or other organization, can help you expand your leadership skills, make connections and serve the greater good.

Every VSCPA scholar carries with them a story of ambition, discovery and the drive to succeed. Meet Marisa Cooke, an undergraduate senior at Virginia Tech and proud VSCPA Foundation scholarship recipient. Her journey into accounting is one of unexpected inspiration, bold decisions, and a growing passion for making a difference through the profession.

Inspiration. Integrity. Self-awareness. Respect. Compassion. Resilience. These are all common qualities we think of when determining what a successful leader looks like in our current professional environment. For aspiring leaders within the accounting industry, the logical next question is: How does that translate into skills I need to become a successful leader in my company?

The CPA profession now offers dynamic, technology-driven career paths that extend far beyond traditional tax and audit work. One of the most promising paths is client advisory services (CAS), a rapidly growing niche in which accountants combine financial expertise, technology, and business insight to help organizations grow.

You need more than a good reputation and proficient performance to differentiate yourself and your brand in accounting organizations where many team members demonstrate exceptional abilities. Establishing a unique personal professional brand (personal brand for short) will enhance your visibility

The VSCPA, along with the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) and other state CPA societies, strongly opposes any proposal that fails to recognize accounting as a professional degree program.

This article outlines the structure of the alternative pathway and discusses its advantages and challenges, drawing insights from industry professionals and academic experts. It also provides an overview of ongoing alternative pathway adoption efforts across the United States. Finally, it examines the impact of CPA Evolution on CPA Exam pass rates over the past year.