The CPA Class of 2021 seniors are going in many different directions and pursuing a variety of opportunities next year, and we are excited to share a glimpse of their journeys.

This year, the 115 members of the class of 2021, submitted 591 applications (5.13 per student) to 185 unique institutions in 37 states, the District of Columbia, and 2 foreign countries. Ten students submitted 10 or more applications (three submitted 20 or more), and fourteen students submitted only one application.

Out of those 185 schools, 101 received an application from only one CPA student. Our state flagship institution, the University of Tennessee-Knoxville, received the most applications (62). Four other schools received more than 20 applications from the Class of 2021. They are: Samford University (28), Auburn University (27), University of Mississippi (27), and the University of Alabama (22).

Overall, students will go in over 50 different directions next year. One student is taking a gap year in Spain to immerse herself in Spanish language study before applying to Spanish universities. Another student will be intentionally exploring a variety of trades through job shadows and internships this summer in anticipation of pursuing a skilled trade. Two students will be attending local community colleges, and the remaining students will, as of now, attend 49 different 4-year colleges and universities in 19 states and one foreign country (Scotland). 

Forty-five students have accepted offers of admission from private schools while sixty-seven will attend public universities. Forty percent of students will remain in Tennessee with Alabama receiving the next largest percentage (16%) and Mississippi the third (12%). The schools matriculating the largest cohorts of CPA graduates of the Class of 2021 are as follows:

• The University of Tennessee, Knoxville (24)
• University of Mississippi (10)
• University of Alabama (8)
• Samford University (6)
• Belmont University (5)

Each remaining institution has four or fewer matriculants.

Thirty-six students will be “lone-rangers” at their institution. Fourteen other students (seven pairs of 2) will go to school with just one other lion from the Class of 2021. Of the 36 lone-rangers, 22 will be "trailblazers," meaning that they will be the only CPA student on campus when they matriculate.

Our trailblazers are headed to:

• Centre College
• Saint Louis University
• Washington & Lee University
• Arizona Christian University
• Northern Arizona University
• University of Miami
• University of Wisconsin
• Patrick Henry College
• Montana State University
• Arizona State University
• High Point University
• Transylvania University
• King University
• University of Oklahoma
• Millsaps College
• Brevard College
• University of Alabama-Birmingham
• The University of Edinburgh
• Hanover College
• Columbia State Community College
• Purdue University
• Boston College
• Davidson College
•  

It is a distinct privilege to walk with students as they discern what is the next best step after CPA.  As our students head out in so many directions next year, we give thanks for the many influential mentors - teachers, coaches, directors, parents, family, friends, etc. - who have nurtured and championed these young men and women as they prepare to leave this place. Thank you for your investment in the CPA Class of 2021.