Northwestern College’s 2021 graduates have achieved a 99% placement rate, with 84% employed and 15% in grad school within six months of graduation. Data was collected through a survey conducted by the college’s Compass Center for Career and Calling. Northwestern’s survey response rate of 99.5% significantly exceeds the standard set by the National Association of Colleges and Employers.
“Our graduates and students are in great demand,” says Dr. Elizabeth Pitts, Northwestern’s director of career and calling. “Employers who held off on filling open positions in 2020 want to get in front of our students and recent grads, and it’s rewarding to watch our Raiders secure great jobs and pursue God’s redeeming work in the world.”
Pitts and her staff are helping Northwestern graduates navigate virtual recruiting and working remotely. “It’s not uncommon for recent grads to accept job offers without having met their employer face-to-face or having seen a company’s physical workspace,” she says, “but our graduates continue to display courage and faithfulness in a dynamic labor market.”
The Mayo Clinic, Principal Financial Group, Boyden-Hull School District and Diamond Vogel are just a few of the more than 146 companies and organizations that hired Northwestern’s 2021 graduates.
Among the roles members of the class of 2021 now hold are those of a human resource analyst, cancer research specialist, director of worship, agri-business banker, software developer, high school math teacher, and medical social worker.
The average reported salary for class of 2021 graduates who are employed full time is $43,607. The maximum salary reported is $69,000.
Approximately 15 percent of the class of 2021 are continuing their education in graduate programs ranging from lighting design to law at schools that include Fordham University, the University of Iowa, the University of Toronto, the University of Utah and Western Theological Seminary.
Last year’s Northwestern graduates are now living and working in 22 states and three countries around the world, with 52% continuing to live and work in Iowa.
For more information about the 99% placement rate of the class of 2021, visit nwciowa.edu/2021-outcomes.
