Valparaiso University 2016–2017 Alumni Achieve 97 Percent Graduate Placement Rate

Graduate Placement Exceeds 90 Percent for 25 Consecutive Years

More than 90 percent of recent Valpo graduates are employed or enrolled in graduate school for the 25th straight year.

The overall placement rate for 2016–2017 alumni is 97.2 percent, up from 96.1 percent last year. This is based on data from more than 90 percent of graduates, significantly higher than the national recommended minimum of 65 percent. For the past five years, the average placement rate is 94.6 percent.

“Valpo students and alumni combine an exceptional education with virtues of integrity and character and make a tremendous impact on the world,” said Mark A. Heckler, Ph.D., president. “Their success, indicated by the longevity of such high placement rates, is a testament to Valpo’s intellectually rigorous and innovative education, as well as our gifted faculty and dedicated staff who provide the resources and mentoring necessary for graduates to succeed not only in the classroom, but in life after graduation.”

Each year, Valparaiso University’s Career Center sponsors nearly 100 career preparation opportunities including networking events, mock interviews, panel discussions and professional development workshops. In addition, the Career Center hosts two major career fairs, both with more than 100 employers in attendance. The College of Engineering also hosts a STEM career fair with more than 45 employers in attendance.

2016–2017 alumni have secured employment across the country and world, in companies such as Rush University Medical Center, Medtronic, Caterpillar, Boeing, Accuweather, Intel Corporation and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Graduate schools include Vanderbilt University, University of Michigan, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Indiana University School of Medicine, the University of Edinburgh, and Butler University.

Highlights of the 2017 Graduate Report include:

• Graduates are working or studying in 38 states, the District of Columbia and 11 countries outside the United States. More than 35 percent of 2016–2017 alumni work or attend graduate school in Indiana.
• Six respondents are involved in full-time service at Amate House, CASA, City Year, Christian Appalachia Project, Lutheran Volunteer Corps and Mercy Home for Boys and Girls.
• Five respondents are in the Armed Forces: three in the Air Force, one in the Army and one in the Marines.