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Survey Finds 97% of 2022 Grads Employed or Continuing Education

April 27, 2023

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — More than 97% of alumni from the class of 2022 were employed or continuing their education within six months of graduating from Illinois Wesleyan University, according to the annual First Destination Survey conducted by IWU’s Hart Career Center. 

Based on an 88% response rate, the survey found that 72.9% of 2022 graduates were employed full-time with an average

Student at commencement turned in seat to give thumbs up
More than 97% of alumni from the class of 2022 were employed or continuing their education within six months of graduating from Illinois Wesleyan University.

starting salary of $55,039. While graduates secured jobs in a variety of fields, the top industries were healthcare (24.5%), K-12 education (9%), financial services and insurance (both at 6.5%). Meanwhile, 16.8% of respondents were enrolled in graduate or professional programs.

Guided by principles from the National Association of Colleges and Employers, the First Destination Survey allows the Hart Career Center to track student success and share outcomes with prospective IWU students and families.

“The job market was fairly strong for our graduates. It was a year in which economic uncertainty and the lingering effects of COVID resulted in mixed reports throughout the year. In the end, our graduates did very well. I believe this continues to illustrate the value of a liberal arts education. Our graduates possess the background in their specific disciplines coupled with critical soft skills,” said Hart Career Center Director Warren Kistner '83. 

The survey found 79.6% of Titans in the class of 2022 prepared for post-graduate careers with at least one internship at Illinois Wesleyan, and 31% of students participated in undergraduate research.

Graduates reported employment in 27 states and the District of Columbia, and in three locations outside of the United States including Canada, Hungary, and South Korea. Students in graduate or professional programs reported enrollment in 15 states with one student studying in Leicester, England.

Consistent with the First Destination Survey results, Illinois Wesleyan continues to be recognized nationally for graduate success. According to Zippia’s most recent rankings from 2022, IWU ranks No. 1 in Illinois and No. 7 in the U.S. on the list of “Best Colleges for Getting a Job,” based on Department of Education College Scorecard Data.

By Julia Perez