Indiana State University's Class of 2017 is faring well six months post-graduation with 94 percent of graduates employed, pursuing further undergraduate study or attending graduate school - a 6 percent increase from a survey just five years earlier.
Of the Class of 2017 respondents, those who are working are earning an average salary of more than $47,000. More than 71 percent of the graduates chose to remain in Indiana.
As a comparison, Class of 2012 respondents reported an 88 percent placement rate and an average annual salary of $35,800.
"Our First Destination Report affirms the importance of a college degree for our graduates, their families, the state of Indiana and beyond," said Nancy Rogers, vice president of university engagement. "Students who graduate from Indiana State University are poised to launch and thrive in meaningful careers. A degree from ISU is a great investment."
All of Indiana State's five academic colleges and the College of Graduate and Professional Studies reported placement rates of higher than 80 percent for the Class of 2017, which includes undergraduate and graduate students graduating in August 2016, December 2016 and May 2017.
The College of Graduate and Professional Studies had the highest placement rate at 95.2 percent, followed by the College of Business at 93.1 percent and College of Health and Human Services at 91.7 percent.
"We are pleased with the responses we received for the First Destination Survey for the Class of 2017," said Tradara McLaurine, executive director of the Career Center at Indiana State. "The results of this survey is a testament of Indiana State's commitment to success, not only during their years here but also after graduation. Indiana State University is a place full of opportunities, and we are proud to see that Indiana employers are recognizing the quality of our Sycamores."
A total of 2,682 graduates were surveyed with 1,584 graduates self-reporting data. That is more than double the response for the 2012 survey, which had 756 graduates report data.
Information was collected primarily through an online survey students and follow-up phone calls. Other data was also collected via social media and other verifiable resources.
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Writer and media contact: Betsy Simon, media relations assistant director, University Marketing, Indiana State University, 812-237-7972 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
