The CPA Path
What It Means for College Students
By: Ally Whatley
Jan. 20, 2026
Becoming licensed as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) has historically been one of the most renowned and respected professional credentials in business. But with changing requirements for certification, evolving career paths, and a shrinking number of rising CPAs, students today are asking today: Is the CPA still worth it?
What Is a CPA?
A CPA is a licensed professional who has met rigorous education, exam, and work experience requirements and is permitted to provide services that non-CPAs cannot – such as filing certain reports, auditing public companies, and signing on financial statements. CPAs also provide service as trusted advisors in tax planning, risk management, business strategy, and corporate finance.
How to Become a CPA (And How It’s Not the Same Everywhere)
In the United States, becoming a CPA has three main requirements:
Education: A widely talked about subject with the requirements for obtaining a CPA is the education requirement. Most states require a bachelor’s degree and additional coursework (traditionally 150 hours of college credit, more than a typical 120-credit bachelor’s degree).
Uniform CPA Exam: A rigorous four-section exam covering Financial Accounting & Reporting (FAR), Regulation (REG), Auditing (AUD), and a specialized elective (like Tax or Business Analysis & Reporting). The time frame for completing all four sections is typically 30 months.
Work Experience: Usually 1-2 years (around 1,800 work hours) of supervised professional experience under a licensed CPA.
However, there’s a twist: Requirements vary by state.
For decades, the 150-credits of coursework (basically a fifth year of college obtaining a master’s degree) has been a standard across most jurisdictions. Now, numerous states are rethinking that model to make obtaining a CPA more feasible. For Example:
California is streamlining its licensure rules so candidates can translate some educational credits for work experiences or a master’s degree.
Ohio recently passed a law (effective 2026) which allows alternative pathways – such as a standard bachelor’s degree (120 credits) plus two years of experience – to become a licensed CPA without needing 150 credit hours.
Colorado and other states are exploring changes towards allowing internship hours and coursework requirements to reduce barriers. However, these changes have not yet been finalized and may not be for a few years due to legislation setbacks.
These reforms reflect an industry attempting to strike a balance between preserving standards and keeping the profession open to new talent and ideas.
What Can a CPA Do for You?
Aside from technical skills gained during undergrad, becoming a CPA opens diverse professional opportunities, such as:
Higher Starting Pay and Career Mobility: CPAs often demand higher salaries than non-CPAs in accounting and finance roles, especially in tax, audit, and financial reporting. Being a CPA also makes you competitive for promotion – directors, managers, and CFOs are more likely than not expected to have a CPA license.
Versatility Beyond Accounting: Today’s CPA isn’t just configuring financial statements or completing audits. CPAs increasingly work in:
Corporate finance
Business analytics
Financial planning
Consulting and advisory services
Consulting and advisory services
Specialized Authority: Only CPAs can audit and sign off on financial statements for public companies – a role that carries legal authority. That makes CPAs essential in public accounting firms, government agencies, and consulting firms.
The variety of knowledge that comes with obtaining a CPA opens up opportunities within all of business, and can catapult careers into much more than just accounting.
Why CPA Numbers are Declining
Despite the CPA having clear value, the profession is facing a serious talent crunch. Fewer students are sitting for the CPA exam than ever before. In recent years, numbers have dropped immensely compared to a decade ago, and 2022 saw the lowest numbers since the mid-2000s.
Several factors contribute to this:
Perceived barriers: The 150-hour credit requirement and long study hours for the exam make the path feel long and extensive.
Competition from other fields: Data science, tech, and consulting often offer higher early-career pay and more dynamic roles – this tempts young adults to deter to alternative routes in order to be financially stable earlier.
Retirement: A major portion of today’s CPAs are nearing retirement, leaving job openings unfilled.
Burnout: Accounting has a reputation for long hours (especially during busy seasons), which turns some students away.
Demand for accountants is outpacing supply, and many firms are struggling to hire both CPAs and entry-level accountants – leaving sufficient opportunities for accountants in the future.
Is the CPA Worth It for Students Right Now?
If you are interested in tax, audit, financial reporting, or corporate leadership – or want mobility within your career – obtaining your CPA adds sufficient value and is definitely worth it. It can differentiate you in the job market and create opportunities many other finance roles can’t. Especially given the current shortage of accountants, being a CPA can be a competitive advantage.
