Surprising List of Colleges with Best Job Placement Rates for 2025

by Imed Bouchrika, Phd

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

Share

Best Job Placement Online Degree Programs

Psychology

A bachelor's degree in psychology explores human behavior and mental processes. Core curriculum includes courses in developmental psychology, cognitive psychology, abnormal psychology, and research methods. Graduates can expect to gain a strong foundation in understanding human thought and behavior, preparing them for various roles or further studies. According to the latest BLS data, the median salary for psychologists is approximately $81,040 per year.

Computer Science

A bachelor's degree in computer science delves into programming, algorithms, and systems design. Students will study subjects like data structures, computer networks, artificial intelligence, and software engineering. This program equips graduates with the skills to solve complex computing problems and innovate technology solutions. The latest BLS data indicates that computer science professionals earn a median salary of $126,830 annually.

Business Administration

A bachelor's degree in business administration covers key aspects of managing and operating businesses. The core curriculum includes accounting, finance, marketing, management, and economics. This degree prepares graduates for diverse roles in various industries, emphasizing strategic thinking and leadership skills. According to the BLS, the median salary for business and financial occupations is around $76,570 per year.

Nursing

A bachelor's degree in nursing prepares students for a career in healthcare by providing comprehensive training in patient care. The curriculum includes courses in anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and clinical practice. Graduates are equipped to take the NCLEX-RN exam and work as registered nurses. The latest BLS data shows that registered nurses have a median annual salary of $77,600.

Social Work

A bachelor's degree in social work focuses on helping individuals, families, and communities overcome challenges. Core courses include human behavior, social welfare policy, case management, and ethics. Graduates are prepared for entry-level positions in social services and community organizations. The BLS reports that social workers have a median salary of $51,760 per year.

College Placement Rates Table of Contents

1. Colleges with Best Job Placement Rates
2. Job Placement Rate by Major
3. Best Job Placement Rates, Undergraduate Business Schools
4. Best Job Placement Rates, Graduate Business Schools

5. How do advanced degree programs impact long-term career success?
6. Factors Influencing a College's Job Placement Rate

7. What are the importance of accreditation in job placement success?

8. How do online bachelor's degree programs influence job placement outcomes?

9. How do strong employer partnerships translate to higher job placement rates?

10. How do internship opportunities impact college job placement rates?

11. How do career services and alumni networks enhance job placement outcomes?

12. How do non-profit universities boost career opportunities?

13. How do accelerated and alternative degree pathways impact job placement success?

14. Which degree programs offer the fastest route to high-paying jobs?

Colleges with Best Job Placement Rates

To ease your search for institutions that can best help you land jobs, we prepared a list of 10 colleges with highest employment rate after graduation.

1. Quinnipiac University

Job Placement Rate: 96.1%
Location: Hamden, Connecticut

With 58 undergraduate majors, students have plenty of choices about what to study at Quinnipiac University. The institution places huge importance on career development and is one of the colleges with job placement programs that truly deliver results. As such, Quinnipiac University takes the top spot one on the list.

2. Augustana University

Job Placement Rate: 96.05%
Location: Sioux Falls, South Dakota

As one of the colleges with best career placement, Augustana University, a private Lutheran institution has a selection of more than 100 majors and minors. On top of that, they have pre-professional specializations. The tertiary institution provides extensive opportunities for internships, as well.

3. Ohio Northern University

Job Placement Rate: 95.86%
Location: Ada, Ohio

Ohio Northern University is another private university, but this one is affiliated with the United Methodist Church. It has been around since 1871 and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Students can choose from more than 60 programs spread across five colleges.

4. Stonehill College

Job Placement Rate: 95.83%
Location: Easton, Massachusetts

Stonehill College, a private Catholic institution, was built on an estate with Georgian-style architecture. Its motto is Lux et Spes, which translates to Light and Hope. Students can indeed get those two from this college because of its high job placement rate.

5. Lebanon Valley College

Job Placement Rate: 95.63%
Location: Annville, Pennsylvania

Lebanon Valley College is one of the four remaining institutions founded by the United Brethren in Christ Church. It offers appointments and sets up networking events, job fairs, workshops, and presentations for its students.

6. Western New England University

Job Placement Rate: 95.56%
Location: Springfield, Massachusetts

Western New England University’s academic programs are spread across five colleges. This gives students a wealth of choices and freedom to pursue the educational path they want to take.

7. Marquette University

Job Placement Rate: 95.55%
Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Marquette University, aprivate Catholic, Jesuit university has a wide range of majors offered in 11 colleges and schools. Each one is recognized nationally and internationally, preparing students for whatever path they may want to take.

8. Illinois Wesleyan University

Job Placement Rate: 95.45%
Location: Bloomington, Illinois

There are more than 80 majors, minors, and areas of study students can choose from at Illinois Wesleyan University. You can also go on any 700 study-abroad programs on offer and experience an internship outside of the U.S. to broaden your employment prospects.

9. Providence College

Job Placement Rate: 95.28%
Location: Bloomington, Illinois

Providence College earns its spot in the colleges with the best job placement rates for its Development of Western Civilization Program. Beyond that, there are plenty of majors and minors that students can get into that are top-notch as well.

10. St. John’s University

Job Placement Rate: 95.16%
Location: New York City, New York

St. John’s University was founded with the goal to serve the growing immigrant population with exemplary higher education. Until today, the private Catholic university offers students broad resources and provides them with the opportunity to enjoy New York City.

The Ivy League Question

How come none of the Ivy League institutions are included in the list? Their absence is not indicative of low college job placement rates. Rather, many of their graduates go on to attend graduate school or professional school. For example, Harvard University’s Office of Career Services stated that among Harvard undergraduate students, 83% choose to enroll in post-tertiary institutions (Harvard, n.d.).

Furthermore, colleges with lowest acceptance rates like Ivy Leagues also means that only a small percentage of applicants are admitted. But when it comes to average early career salary, Ivy League attendees have something to look forward to. In fact, Princeton University graduates have an average early career salary of $81,800 per year.

But that does not mean it has the best starting and mid-career salary among U.S. colleges, though. PayScale’s (2021) College Salary Report 2021 notes that the institution whose graduates have the highest starting and mid-career salary is the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The starting career salary for MIT graduates is an average of $93,700 per year and the mid-career salary is $167,200 annually.

Job Placement Rate by Major

Which major’s graduates can have the most success after college? Statistics on the job placement rate by college major show that those who take up elementary education have a high chance of landing a job immediately after graduating. Apparently, the major is in demand as there is only a 1.2% unemployment rate (New York Fed, 2021). You can also check a more extensive list of the best college majors for more options.

Top 10 Majors with the Lowest Unemployment Rate

1. Elementary Education

Educators at the elementary level can look forward to quickly finding a job after graduation. Those who take up this major are in demand in the United States, currently enjoying a 1.2% unemployment rate.

2. Medical Technicians

Teachers are followed by medical technicians, who may be clinical laboratory technologists and technicians or emergency medical technicians. The former occupation has a job outlook of 11% according to BLS (2021), which is faster than average. That coincides with the low unemployment rate of 1.3%.

3. Miscellaneous Education

Those who are education majors are in great demand lately. Students who graduate with a miscellaneous education major only have a 1.5% unemployment rate.

4. Construction Services

The construction industry in the U.S. had been growing from 2014 to 2019. The industry continues to be strong, considering that those who take up construction services only have a 1.5% unemployment rate, the same as those who took up miscellaneous education.

5. Secondary Education

Yet another education major, but this one focuses on teaching secondary students. College graduates who decided to take this up would only face a 1.7% unemployment rate.

6. Biochemistry

Biochemistry is a relatively small field, but it is one of the most in-demand today. The Oak Ridge Institute lists being a biochemist as among the fastest growing and most promising STEM careers in the United States. According to recent data, it has a 1.7% unemployment rate.

With regards to STEM careers, they are an important factor in wages and salaries. Statista (2021), in its note for the infographic “The U.S. Universities With The Best Pay for New Graduates" pointed out that “there is a noticeable difference in early career pay between schools with institutions focusing on STEM tending to come out ahead." For instance, Samuel Merritt University is reported to have the highest salary for bachelor’s degree graduates in the early part of their careers: $93,900. The tertiary school is a STEM-focused one and is well-known for its health sciences majors.

7. Nursing

Another major in the healthcare field that is most likely to find a job after graduation is nursing. The major only has a 1.7% unemployment rate. This could be partly due to the lack of nurses these days or because of the need for more healthcare workers due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

8. General Education

Teachers are indeed in high demand, as graduates of general education have a high chance of finding employment immediately after acquiring their diplomas. Those who took up this major are looking at a 1.7% unemployment rate.

9. Industrial Engineering

The United States seems to be in high need of industrial engineers. Students who finished a degree in industrial engineering can find employers easily—the major has only a 1.7% unemployment rate.

10. Special Education

Schools and specialized institutions serving children with special needs are looking for more teachers. College graduates who finished special education are either quickly headhunted or hired when they apply. The major has a 1.9% unemployment rate.

Top 10 Majors with the Highest Unemployment Rates

On the other hand, these are the least employable majors.

1. General Social Sciences

Not a lot of employers seem to find general social sciences attractive, as the major has the highest unemployment rate: 8.5%.

2. Physics
Despite being a grand field that has people working for organizations like CERN, there does not seem to be a great demand for physics majors. The field has an 8% unemployment rate.

3. Public Policy and Law
This major is not exactly the best calling card unless a graduate is aiming to be in politics or a government official. It has an unemployment rate of 6.3%.

4. Mass Media

There are now plenty of media to go around. However, graduates of mass media are not the most in-demand. The major is one of the least employable with a 6.2% unemployment rate.

5. Political Sciences

There are not a lot of organizations looking for experts in political science. Those who take up this major will have to contend with an unemployment rate of 6.1%.

6. Family and Consumer Sciences

There is not much need for graduates who are knowledgeable or skilled in helping people make informed decisions regarding their well-being, resources, and relationships. That is why this major has an unemployment rate of 5.8%.

7. Fine Arts

Perhaps only a few workplaces require the skills of a fine arts graduate. Though one of the most expensive majors, it is one of the least employable with a 5.5% unemployment.

8. History

Recent college graduates of history may have difficulties landing a job. Employers do not seem to require the services of a history expert so much, which gave this major the unemployment rate of 5.5%.

9. Computer Science

Despite there being plenty of tech companies, computer science graduates seem to be having the challenge to get employed—graduates of this major have an unemployment rate of 5.5%.

10. Information Systems & Management

Graduates of this major have it better compared to those who took up computer science. Recent graduates have an unemployment rate of only 5.4%.

Best Job Placement Rates, Undergraduate Business Schools

If you are aiming to get into a business school for your undergraduate degree, these are tertiary schools with the highest job placement rates.

1. Clarkson University David D. Reh School of Business

Graduates of the Clarkson University business school are successful in securing full-time jobs upon graduation. They have an overall placement rate of 95%.

2. The University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign

In general, 95% of students who graduated at the Urbana Champaign campus are employed two years after graduation. That is against the national average of 83%.

3. University of Michigan Ross School of Business

University of Michigan BBA grads have a reported 94% employability. That is out of 603 students from the class of 2020. These graduates have been hired by over 180 companies in a wide array of industries.

4. University of Pennsylvania Wharton

Of the 904 students who graduated in 2020, 93.5% reported receiving job offers. Of those, 91.6% reported accepting job offers. And every year, 360 employers recruit directly at both Wharton and Penn.

5. Boston University Questrom School of Business

The Boston University Questrom School of Business boasts a three-year average employment rate of 93%. Graduates from the school have a $68,281 total first-year compensation for those employed in the U.S.

Best Job Placement Rates, Graduate Business Schools

If you are considering attending a graduate business school, these are the ones with the most sought-after graduates.

1. University of Pennsylvania Wharton

The full-time MBA class of 2021 of the University of Pennsylvania Wharton reported that 99% of employment-seeking students received job offers. Over 780 unique employers tried to recruit future employees and interns at Wharton. The median annual base salary of these workers is $155,000.

2. Dartmouth College Tuck School of Business

Of the graduating class of 2021 of Dartmouth College, 98% received job offers within three months after graduation. However, 1% decided to forego the offers they received for other opportunities.

3. Duke University Fuqua School of Business

Among the Daytime MBA graduates of Duke University, 90% had received job offers by graduation and 87% immediately accepted. And three months post-graduation, 98% had job offers and 96% accepted.

4. Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management

Of the 541 students of the graduating class of 2021 of Northwestern University seeking employment, 83.5% received a job offer. On the other hand, 77.6% of students accepted an employment offer. And three months after graduation, 93.9% had received a job offer and 91.9% accepted a job.

5. University of Chicago Booth School of Business

The University of Chicago Booth School of Business’s employment report shows that 92.8% of full-time MBA graduates accepted full-time employment offers three months after graduation.

How do advanced degree programs impact long-term career success?

Advanced degree programs offer a pathway to specialized skills and leadership roles that extend beyond initial job placement outcomes. Institutions that provide streamlined options for graduate study, including opportunities to pursue a doctorate online, enable students to deepen their expertise and diversify their professional portfolio. These programs often integrate research, practical training, and industry-focused projects to help graduates secure positions that require advanced analytical and managerial competencies, ultimately contributing to sustained career progression.

Factors Influencing a College's Job Placement Rate

A college's job placement rate is influenced by several important factors that contribute to the success of its graduates in the job market. Understanding these factors can help students make informed decisions when selecting a college or university. Here are the key factors:

• Career Services: Colleges with dedicated career centers that offer resume reviews, mock interviews, and career counseling often see higher job placement rates. These services prepare students for the job search process and connect them with potential employers.
• Industry Partnerships: Schools that build strong relationships with companies and organizations tend to have higher job placement rates. These partnerships create internship opportunities and lead to direct recruitment on campus.
• Internship Opportunities: Colleges that emphasize internships give students practical experience in their field, making them more competitive in the job market. Internships often lead to full-time job offers after graduation.
• Alumni Networks: A strong and engaged alumni network can be invaluable for job placement. Alumni often provide mentorship, job leads, and referrals, increasing a graduate's chances of securing employment.
• On-Campus Recruitment: Colleges that host regular job fairs and on-campus interviews help students connect directly with employers, boosting their chances of finding a job before graduation.
• Academic Reputation: Colleges with strong reputations in specific fields often have better job placement rates because employers trust the quality of the education provided.

What are the importance of accreditation in job placement success? 

One critical factor that prospective students often overlook when choosing a college is the institution's accreditation status. Accreditation ensures that the college meets high standards in terms of curriculum quality, faculty credentials, and student support, which significantly influences job placement success. Many employers prioritize graduates from accredited online universities because accreditation serves as a mark of educational quality and rigor.

In addition to enhancing employability, attending an accredited college often makes students eligible for federal financial aid and other scholarships. Furthermore, credits from accredited institutions are more likely to transfer to other universities, and graduates are eligible to pursue advanced degrees in reputable institutions. Therefore, understanding and verifying a college’s accreditation can be a pivotal step toward securing meaningful employment after graduation.

How do online bachelor's degree programs influence job placement outcomes?

Online bachelor's degree programs are reshaping the traditional approach to higher education and career readiness. These programs offer flexible schedules, remote learning solutions, and modern digital tools that enhance students’ self-discipline and technical literacy, traits increasingly valued by employers. Quality online programs often provide specialized virtual career services, including digital career fairs and networking platforms, to align graduates with market demands. Evaluating program accreditation and career support structures remains essential for comparative job placement success. For cost-effective options that uphold academic integrity, explore the cheapest online bachelors.

How do strong employer partnerships translate to higher job placement rates?

Employer partnerships serve as a critical bridge between academic programs and the practical demands of the workforce. These partnerships enable institutions to customize curricula that mirror current industry practices and facilitate cooperative education programs, where students gain hands-on experience while still in school. By engaging directly with companies for project-based learning, workshops, and career fairs, colleges foster environments that promote real-world problem solving and skill application. Additionally, some institutions offer accelerated learning pathways through initiatives such as fast-track college programs online, ensuring that graduates quickly acquire competencies aligned with employer expectations.

How do career services and alumni networks enhance job placement outcomes?

Institutions with robust career services and active alumni networks offer critical support that extends beyond classroom learning. Effective career centers provide tailored resume reviews, interview preparation, and personalized counseling that significantly improve graduates’ readiness for the job market. Additionally, well-connected alumni networks facilitate mentorship opportunities and industry-specific referrals, allowing current students to access real-world insights and hidden job markets. Some colleges also offer fafsa-approved online certificate programs that complement these services by equipping students with specialized skills demanded by employers.

How do non-profit universities boost career opportunities?

Non-profit universities distinguish themselves by reinvesting resources into comprehensive career development initiatives and strong industry connections. They often establish specialized programs and partnerships that integrate academic training with real-world experience, directly enhancing job placement outcomes. These institutions cultivate networks with industry leaders, offering exclusive recruitment opportunities and tailored professional guidance, which collectively boost career readiness and long-term success. For further insights on such institutions, consider visiting non-profit universities.

How do accelerated and alternative degree pathways impact job placement success?

Accelerated and alternative degree programs offer a focused route to career entry by condensing coursework and emphasizing industry-specific competencies. These programs provide an efficient pathway for students to transition quickly into the workforce without compromising academic rigor. For instance, institutions that offer an accelerated bachelors degree integrate streamlined curricula with targeted skill development and improved career support services. By aligning their training with current market demands, these programs help graduates demonstrate readiness and adaptability, which can enhance their appeal to employers in competitive fields.

Which degree programs offer the fastest route to high-paying jobs?

Students can accelerate their entry into lucrative career paths by pursuing fast-track degree programs that condense coursework without compromising quality. These programs are designed to synchronize with evolving industry demands, enabling graduates to acquire practical, job-ready skills in a shorter time frame. Institutions offering such accelerated options often incorporate intensive, project-based learning and flexible online modules to meet market needs efficiently. For a detailed overview of these accelerated pathways, consider exploring the fastest degrees that pay well.

How do internship opportunities impact college job placement rates?

Internship opportunities play a critical role in determining a college's job placement success. Practical experience gained through internships enhances a student's skills, confidence, and employability. Many employers prioritize candidates with hands-on experience, making internships a key factor in bridging the gap between education and employment.

Key considerations include:

• Access to industry-specific internships: Colleges with strong ties to industry leaders can provide students with valuable, field-specific opportunities.
• Support from career services: Institutions with dedicated career services offices often assist students in securing internships, improving their job placement rates.

• Networking potential: Internships frequently lead to full-time job offers, as they help students build professional connections within their chosen fields.

• Flexibility of programs: Online students should also explore internship opportunities, as even institutions recognized as the cheapest online colleges USA often collaborate with local businesses to provide hands-on experiences.

Key Insights

• Higher Earnings for Graduates: College graduates, particularly those with a bachelor's degree or higher, earn significantly more than those with only some college or an associate’s degree. In 2019, median weekly earnings for bachelor's degree holders were $1,367 compared to $856 for those with some college or an associate’s degree.
• Top Colleges for Job Placement: Quinnipiac University, Augustana University, and Ohio Northern University are among the top institutions with job placement rates above 95%, demonstrating their strong emphasis on career development and networking opportunities.
• High Demand Majors: Majors in education, healthcare, and STEM fields have the highest job placement rates. For instance, elementary education majors face only a 1.2% unemployment rate, while medical technicians and nurses also have low unemployment rates due to high demand.
• STEM Focused Schools: Institutions like Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) lead in providing high starting and mid-career salaries for their graduates, emphasizing the importance of STEM education in the current job market.
• Graduate Business School Success: Top graduate business schools such as University of Pennsylvania Wharton, Dartmouth College Tuck School of Business, and Duke University Fuqua School of Business have job placement rates above 90%, with many graduates receiving offers even before completing their programs.
• Impact of Ivy League: Although not topping the job placement rate list, Ivy League schools have high numbers of graduates pursuing further education. Harvard University reports that 83% of its undergraduates go on to graduate or professional schools.

FAQ

1. What are the average weekly earnings for college graduates compared to those with some college education? In 2019, those with a bachelor’s degree or higher had median weekly earnings of $1,367, while those with some college or an associate’s degree earned $856.
2. Which college has the highest job placement rate in the United States? Quinnipiac University in Hamden, Connecticut, has the highest job placement rate at 96.1%.
3. Why are Ivy League schools not on the list of colleges with the best job placement rates? Many Ivy League graduates pursue further education immediately after completing their undergraduate degrees, which affects their job placement statistics. For example, 83% of Harvard undergraduates choose to enroll in post-tertiary institutions.
4. Which majors have the highest job placement rates? Majors in elementary education, medical technology, miscellaneous education, and construction services have some of the highest job placement rates, with unemployment rates as low as 1.2% to 1.5%.
5. What is the job placement rate for business school graduates from the University of Pennsylvania Wharton? The University of Pennsylvania Wharton’s full-time MBA class of 2021 had a 99% job placement rate, with 99% of employment-seeking students receiving job offers.
6. How does the median salary for graduates in computer science compare to other fields? Computer science professionals earn a median salary of $126,830 annually, according to the latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
7. What are the employment prospects for graduates with a degree in nursing? Graduates with a bachelor's degree in nursing can expect to earn a median annual salary of $77,600, with strong job prospects due to the ongoing demand for healthcare professionals.
8. Which majors have the highest unemployment rates? Majors such as general social sciences, physics, public policy and law, and mass media have higher unemployment rates, ranging from 6.2% to 8.5%.
9. What are the benefits of attending a graduate business school like Dartmouth College Tuck School of Business? Graduates from Dartmouth College Tuck School of Business have a 98% job placement rate within three months after graduation, showcasing strong employment prospects and career support.
10. How do job placement rates for undergraduate business schools compare to graduate business schools? Undergraduate business schools like Clarkson University and the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign boast job placement rates of around 95%, while top graduate business schools like Wharton and Tuck have job placement rates exceeding 98%.

References:

• Booth School of Business. (2021). Explore our employment report. The University of Chicago. Retrieved December 13, 2021.
• David D. Reh School of Business. (2021). David D. Reh School of Business. Clarkson University.
• Fuqua School of Business. (2021). Duke’s Fuqua School of Business. Duke University.
• Kellogg School of Management. (2021). Employment statistics. Northwestern University. Retrieved December 14, 2021.
• MBA Career Management. (2021, December 9). Career statistics. University of Pennsylvania.
• Morris, K. (2011, August 11). Best college in each state for getting a job 2021. Zippia.
• Niche. (2019, December 29). University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Niche.com. Retrieved December 13, 2021.
• Office of Career Services. (2019). Reports. Harvard University.
• PayScale. (2021, August). College Salary Report 2021: Best Ivy League Schools by Salary Potential. Payscale.
• Questrom School of Business. (2021). Questrom undergraduate employment stats. Boston University.
• Ross School of Business. (2021). BBA employment report. University of Michigan.
• Statista. (2021, July 8). Infographic: The U.S. universities with the best pay for new graduates. Statista Infographics.
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2020, December 18). Highlights of women’s earnings in 2019: BLS reports (1089). BLS.
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2021, June 2). Clinical laboratory technologists and technicians. BLS.
• Vlasova, H. (2021, June 5). U.S colleges with best job placement rates in 2021. Admissonsly.com.