August 25, 2020
Written by Public Relations & Communications Strategist Jill Wilson
Career site Zippia has ranked Augustana University No. 1 in the nation for best small colleges for securing a job — chosen from a pool of more than 1,000 schools.
“Students attend college with the expectation of securing gainful employment. However, not all schools are equal in job placement success,” Zippia’s Kathy Morris wrote. “Some colleges are vastly more supportive of their students’ post-graduation concerns than others. In particular, small colleges, with smaller class sizes and a stronger sense of community, do an excellent job at setting students up for success.”
The site ranked colleges in each state with an enrollment of 1,000 to 5,000 students. Zippia determined the ranking by using information found on the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) and cross-referenced smaller institutions with data from the Department of Education College Scorecard data. Zippia researched institutions in each state with the highest listed job placement numbers, looking specifically at employment levels 10 years after graduation.
Augustana’s Assistant Vice Provost for Student Success and Engagement Billie Streufert said, “This report demonstrates the robust career education embedded in students' experiences at Augustana. From internships to ongoing personal career advising, students encounter ongoing exploration and engagement. This begins from the point of entry in our award-winning First-Year Seminars and continues during our sophomore retreat, alumni mentor program, and premier employer networking events. Whether it is their rigorous learning in the classroom or the robust applied-learning opportunities in the Sioux Falls community, students are equipped to make a difference and live out Augustana's motto of service."
The career site also ranked Augustana University No. 2 in the nation for post-graduate employment. Augustana ranked second nationally with a 96.05% employment rate over the 10-year period. This is the second year in a row that Augustana has made Zippia’s list, also ranked second in the nation in 2019.
According to a recent report published by Augustana University, 99 percent of recent graduates seeking employment are employed in their major or chosen field.
The Outcomes Report compiled by the Student Success Center, in collaboration with the Office of Assessment, also shows that Augustana graduates can compete consistently in a rapidly changing marketplace. The employment rate of Augustana graduates over the last five years is 98 percent.