CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Graduates from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign’s undergraduate programs continue to experience exceptional success in securing a “first destination” – defined as a job, enrollment in graduate school or a volunteer position – within six months of graduation, according to the newly released Illini Success report.
The fourth annual report draws from the experiences of those who completed undergraduate degrees in August 2017, December 2017 and May 2018. A campuswide survey of those graduates provided 65 percent of the report’s data, with additional information obtained from the National Student Clearinghouse, college reports and a limited analysis of social media profiles.
Key findings from the report, released today, include:
– Ninety-one percent of 2017-18 graduates secured a first destination within six months of graduation. National data from the National Association of Colleges and Employers is not available for that class, but in each of the three previous years the U. of I. exceeded the national average by more than four percentage points.
– Across campus, the average salary for full-time employed graduates is $60,885.
– Sixty-six percent of graduates who secured a first destination said they remained in the state for those opportunities.
– Eighty-nine percent of graduates participated in internships or other experiential learning activities; of those, 36 percent indicated that they received a full-time job offer as a result.
“Our students are finding their first jobs or first postgraduate educational opportunities at rates any public university in the nation would envy,” Chancellor Robert J. Jones said. “Nearly 70 percent of our state’s residents who earn a degree here are choosing to stay in Illinois for the next step in their careers. And those who enter the workforce are earning starting salaries well above the national average.
“The actions and accomplishments of our graduates are the most direct measure of our university’s impact on our state, nation and world. This newest Illini Success report demonstrates that an Illinois degree is one of the best investments you can make.”
The project is supported by the Office of the Provost, Career Services Council, Division of Management Information, Center for Innovation in Teaching and Learning, Office of the Registrar, Institutional Review Board Office, Council of Undergraduate Deans, undergraduate college administrations and other partners.
“A 21st-century world-class education includes more than high-caliber coursework,” Provost Andreas Cangellaris said. “An Illinois education might include research experience in a laboratory, volunteering in the community, leading an organization, completing an internship, being part of a team, mentoring other students, learning a new skill or performing for a crowd. The Illini Success survey shows that we are providing inspiring opportunities for our students and assisting them in translating those experiences into lasting value that extends far beyond graduation.”
Included in Illini Success is an analysis of three-year trend data that shows the average salary of Illinois graduates increased by 7 percent over that span. While the proportion of graduates who received a signing bonus remained stable at 21 to 24 percent, the average bonus amount increased by 33 percent.