A newly published report by Augustana University shows that 98% of 2023 graduates — who completed degrees in August, December and May of Academic Year 2022-23 — achieved a positive career outcome. Many of these graduates chose to continue their education with 30% enrolled in graduate school or professional programs.
“This year's career outcomes report continues Augustana's tradition of successfully preparing graduates to enter the professional workforce. We are inspired by the ways that the Class of 2023 is sharing their gifts and talents in their chosen careers. They benefited from Augustana's distinctive learning environment that combines rigorous academics with opportunities for leadership and service both on campus and in the Sioux Falls community,” said Director of the Augustana Student Success Center Mary Toso ‘90.
To help accomplish these outcomes, Augustana’s Student Success Center provides ongoing and tailored vocational engagement — offering individual support, alumni mentoring, career fairs and unique events alongside community organizations and business partners.
Using guidelines set by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), Augustana obtained information on 94% of recent graduates — exceeding the minimum NACE knowledge rate by 29%.
Class of 2023 Key Statistics
- Ninety-eight percent of responding graduates achieved a positive career outcome (e.g., continuing their education, working, serving in the military or volunteering).
- Among the respondents, 30% enrolled in graduate school or professional programs. Of students who sought admission or continuing education, 94% were admitted.
- Upon graduation, Class of 2023 alumni reported working in 19 states, as well as Guatemala.
- South Dakota retained 58% of AU's full-time graduates, including 56% working in the Sioux Falls area.
- Members of the Class of 2023 were hired by 113 unique organizations. The top employers included Avera and Sanford Health, the Mayo Clinic Health System and Sioux Falls School District (SFSD).
- The mean salary for undergraduate students in the Class of 2023 who were working full time was $54,823, with a median salary of $55,310.
Student Experience
In addition to employment and graduate school placement details, the Outcomes Report also captured key data points that illustrate how satisfied members of the Class of 2023 were with their Augustana experience.
- Ninety-six percent of graduates reported that they were satisfied overall with their education from Augustana.
- Ninety-eight percent of graduates agreed that faculty at Augustana cared about them as a person.
- Ninety-nine percent of graduates reported that they had professors who made them excited about learning.
- Ninety-five percent of graduates who responded reported that they participated in at least one applied-learning opportunity.
More employment data, as well as other post-graduation activities and destinations for members of the Augustana Class of 2023, is detailed in the Career Outcomes Report published by the Student Success Center at augie.edu/outcomes.