USF Reports 99% Placement for Undergraduate, 100% for Graduate Students

SIOUX FALLS, SD --- A recent survey indicates that 99% of University of Sioux Falls graduates from the Class of 2023 were either employed or attending graduate or professional school within six months of graduation.

"My professors and advisors at the University of Sioux Falls made me feel that I mattered not only as a student, but also as a person," said 2023 graduate Jacob Koch. "They ignited my motivation to be the first person in my family to graduate with a college degree. Upon graduation, I felt prepared for the workforce because of the services provided by the Academic Success Center, including resume and cover letter review. In addition, the support and genuine care from my professors helped to build confidence in my ability to be successful beyond USF."

Eighty-three percent of 2023 grads started their careers in South Dakota, and of those, 93% are employed in Sioux Falls or within a 30 mile radius. Overall, USF graduates reported working in 13 states and two countries.

"USF prides itself on providing students with transformational educational opportunities that prepare them for both career, and life in general," said USF President Brett Bradfield. "We aim to set our students up for success and we couldn't be more proud of our graduates and the work they will continue to do, serving their communities beyond graduation."

Other highlights from the survey respondents include that 89% of Class of 2023 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.

Twenty-two 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 unprecedented 90% response rate to the survey was obtained for the undergraduate Class of 2023, 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 95% response rate to the survey was achieved.

Employers can recruit USF talent in a variety of ways, including 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 the best practices outlined by NACE.