93% of full-time employed grads report being on track to achieve career goals
MILWAUKEE — Marquette University’s Class of 2025 graduates report an 87% career outcomes rate within six months of graduation — a three-point increase over last year, according to the annual Undergraduate First Destination Survey conducted jointly by the university’s Office of Institutional Research and Analysis and Career Center. The career outcomes rate reflects graduates currently employed, continuing education, or engaged in a service vocation or military.
Graduates reported 53% full-time employment by the survey date, while 26% are continuing their education full-time.
Of those employed full time, 93% consider their job to be related to their career goals. At the college level, 100% of responding College of Nursing and College of Education graduates were in roles related to their career goals, as were 98% of graduates from the Opus College of Engineering and College of Business Administration.
The career outcomes rate is a national benchmark from the National Association of Colleges and Employers.
“Marquette students bring determination and focus to their education, and they benefit from a campus culture that prioritizes student success from first day to first destination,” said Courtney Hanson, director of the Marquette Career Center. “In a job market where strong preparation matters more than ever, our graduates continue to excel exceeding last year’s career outcome rate by three percentage points. Among the Class of 2025, 93% of those in full-time positions reported securing roles that match their professional goals. Beginning their careers on a path that aligns with their purpose is a powerful contributor to long-term fulfillment and success.”
For the third-straight survey, 79% of respondents were located in Wisconsin (56%) or Illinois (23%). Of the 65% of full-time employed respondents who reported salary information, the median starting salary was $70,000, a nearly 8% increase over 2024.
About Marquette University
Marquette University is a Catholic, Jesuit university located near the heart of downtown Milwaukee that offers a comprehensive range of majors in 11 nationally and internationally recognized colleges and schools. Through the formation of hearts and minds, Marquette prepares our 11,100 undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and professional students to lead, excel and serve as agents of positive change. And, we deliver results. Ranked in the top 20% of national universities, Marquette is recognized for its undergraduate teaching, innovation and career preparation as the sixth-best university in the country for job placement. Our focus on student success and immersive, personalized learning experiences encourages students to think critically and engage with the world around them. When students graduate with a Marquette degree, they are truly prepared and called to Be The Difference.
