99.5 percent of Northwestern's class of 2020 are employed or in graduate school

A survey of members of Northwestern College’s class of 2020 reveals that 99.5% found employment or entered graduate school within six months of graduation. That figure is based on a 99% response rate by those graduating seniors.

“When the pandemic hit, some of our graduates had job offers rescinded, but they didn’t give up,” says Dr. Elizabeth Pitts, Northwestern’s director of career and calling. “We worked hard to help them find opportunities, we were encouraged by alumni who let us know of their interest in hiring Northwestern grads, and we marveled at grads who adapted to virtual work environments. A placement rate of nearly 100% is something to be celebrated any year—but it’s especially noteworthy given the impact of the coronavirus on our economy.”

The Mayo Clinic, Ernst & Young, Sanford Health, Omaha Public Schools and Trans Ova Genetics are just a few of the more than 125 companies and organizations that hired Northwestern’s 2020 graduates.

Among the roles the class of 2020 now holds at those 125 companies are that of a senior accountant, marketing manager, emergency room nurse, special education teacher, software developer, youth services worker, and director of Christian education.

The average reported salary for class of 2020 graduates who are employed full time is $41,960. The maximum salary reported was $90,000.

Approximately 16 percent of the class of 2020 are continuing their education in graduate programs ranging from medicine to ministry and at schools that include Baylor University, Boston University, Iowa State, Northwestern University, the University of Nebraska Omaha, and Western Theological Seminary.

Overall, last year’s Northwestern graduates are now living and working in 20 states, Washington, D.C., and four countries around the world, with 44% continuing to live and work in Iowa.

For more information about the 99.5% placement rate of the class of 2020, visit nwciowa.edu/2020-outcomes.