USF again reports 99% placement for undergraduate, 100% for graduate students

A recent survey indicates that 99% of University of Sioux Falls graduates from the Class of 2024 were either employed, attending graduate or professional school, or continuing with additional undergraduate education within six months of graduation.

“The support I received from professors, advisors and people who genuinely cared was the most essential part of my undergraduate journey,” said 2024 graduate Ursula Demarquet Alban. “My professors made sure that I was always heard, understood and supported, and they are now lifelong friends. The Academic Success Center understood my dreams and turned them into guided and doable steps that allowed me to reach my personal and educational goals. The USF community ensured that I was successful in all aspects of life and assisted me in achieving admission to a rigorous master’s program at an acclaimed university.” 

Seventy-six percent of 2024 grads started their careers in South Dakota, and of those, 89% are employed in Sioux Falls or within a 30 mile radius. Overall, USF graduates reported working in 14 states.

“A USF education sets our students up to excel in their careers and contribute to their communities,” said USF President Brett Bradfield. “We believe in providing students with a personal learning experience and opportunities to grow both in and out of the classroom. We are incredibly proud of our graduates.”

Other highlights from survey respondents include that 83% of 2024 undergraduates participated in one or more experiential learning activities such as internships, campus-based research, practicums, clinical experiences, field experiences and/or student teaching experiences.                                                          

Thirty percent of respondents reported continuing their education in either a graduate or professional degree program. In addition, students reported 100% placement rates in over three-fourths of academic programs. An 86% response rate to the survey was obtained for the undergraduate Class of 2024, which exceeds the target goal outlined by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) of 65%. 

Results were equally as impressive for USF’s MBA and graduate education programs. The same study found 100% of graduates were either employed or attending further schooling within six months of graduation, and a strong 97% response rate to the survey was achieved.

Employers can recruit USF talent in a variety of ways, including attending annual career fair events on campus and through USF’s online employment database. All students and alumni have access to the no-cost platform online. Employers looking to get connected with USF students and graduates are encouraged to inquire by emailing asc@usiouxfalls.edu.

Each year, USF Career Services surveys the USF graduating class to assess their post-graduation activities. The methodology of this survey aligns with best practices that are outlined by NACE.