Northwestern's class of 2022 achieves 99 percent placement rate

Northwestern College’s 2022 graduates have achieved a 99% placement rate, with 83% employed and 16% in grad school within six months of graduation.

Data was collected through a survey conducted by the college’s Compass Center for Career and Calling, using the First-Destination Survey of the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) and following NACE guidelines and protocols. Northwestern’s survey response rate of 99.5% significantly exceeds the national standard of 65% set by NACE.

“While employers adjust to the Great Resignation, they are actively seeking our graduates,” says Dr. Elizabeth Pitts, director of the Compass Center. “Northwestern students come to the workforce ready to engage ideas, connect knowledge and experience, and respond to God’s call. It’s a pleasure to watch our recent grads launch from college to career with confidence and purpose.”

Amazon, the San Diego Padres, Avera Health, Sioux Falls Christian High School, Sight & Sound Theatres, and Interstates are just a few of the more than 125 companies and organizations that hired Northwestern’s 2022 graduates.

Among the roles members of the class of 2022 now hold are those of a digital marketing specialist, emergency room nurse, staff accountant, associate chemist, social worker, interpreter, lighting technician, federal grain inspector, and social studies teacher.

The average reported salary for class of 2022 graduates who are employed full time was $44,575. The maximum salary reported was $71,500.

Approximately 16% of the class of 2022 are continuing their education in graduate programs ranging from medicine to industrial and organizational psychology. They are studying at schools that include Duke University, Michigan College of Optometry, Pennsylvania State University, the University of Iowa, the University of Nebraska, and the University of Wisconsin.

Last year’s Northwestern graduates are now living and working in 22 states, two other countries, and Washington, D.C., with 54% continuing to live and work in Iowa.

For more information about the 99% placement rate of the class of 2022, visit nwciowa.edu/2022-outcomes.