Greensboro native Elizabeth Hinson chose accounting as a field of study at Appalachian State University because she was detail oriented and liked helping friends save money.

She graduated summa cum laude and stayed at Appalachian to complete a master’s degree in accounting through the university’s Walker College of Business. She is now an assurance associate with the private company services group in PricewaterhouseCoopers’ Raleigh office.

“I love my job and I’m super happy,” she said.

Appalachian accounting majors have a CPA pass rate that exceeds the national and North Carolina averages. Hinson said Appalachian’s program not only prepares students to score highly on the CPA exam, but also helps them build their network and develop soft skills necessary to succeed in the workplace.

She also praised Appalachian’s small class sizes.

“Before starting college, I probably would have said that I was fine with large classes, but now I know that small classes allow you to build a relationship with your professors,” said Hinson.

“Knowing your professor is not only beneficial in the event that you need help with an assignment, it also increases your motivation to do well in that professor’s class.”