Augustana University 2021 Outcomes Report: 99% of recent graduates employed in major or chosen field

Feb. 14, 2022

This paid piece is sponsored by Augustana University.

A newly published report by Augustana University shows that 99 percent of 2021 graduates — those who completed degrees in August, December and May of academic year 2020-21 — found employment in their major or chosen field.

Many of these graduates chose to continue their education, with 26 percent enrolled in graduate school or professional programs.

“The results reflect the valuable resources provided by our dedicated faculty, supportive alumni and career specialists,” said Dr. Colin Irvine, Augustana provost and executive vice president. “The positive outcomes also are a testament to the enduring value of the liberal arts. Employers appreciate graduates’ ability to think critically, communicate effectively and solve complex problems.”

Despite the ongoing pandemic, Augustana’s Student Success Center helped these students and others by providing personal support — offering drop-in Zoom hours and hosting unique events alongside community organizations and business partners.

Career specialists are here to help graduates secure meaningful opportunities wherever their next adventures take them. Graduates launch their careers confidently because of the transformative education they had on campus and in the broader Sioux Falls community,” said Billie Streufert, assistant vice provost for student success and engagement.

Using guidelines set by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, Augustana obtained information on 83 percent of recent graduates — exceeding the minimum NACE knowledge rate by 18 percent. 

Augustana Class of 2021 key statistics

  • 96 percent of responding graduates achieved a positive career outcome, such as continuing their education, working, serving in the military or volunteering.
  • Among the respondents, 26 percent enrolled in graduate school or professional programs.
  • Upon graduation, Class of 2021 alumni reported working in 20 states and around the globe — in countries such as China and Vietnam.
  • South Dakota retained 72 percent of Augustana’s full-time graduates — with 60 percent working in the Sioux Falls region.
  • Top occupational classifications for 2021 graduates included jobs related to health care; technical; education; business and financial; management and sales; the life, physical and sports sciences; as well as architecture, engineering and computers. 
  • Members of the class of 2021 were hired by 128 organizations. The top employers included Sanford Health, Avera Health, the Sioux Falls and Harrisburg school districts, Mayo Clinic and First Premier Bank.
  • The mean salary for undergraduate students who were working full time in the Class of 2021 was $47,089, with a median salary of $45,000.

The Augustana Experience

In addition to employment and graduate school placement details, the Career Outcomes Report also captures key data points that illustrate how satisfied members of the Class of 2021 were with their Augustana experience:

  • 94 percent of graduates reported that they were satisfied overall with their experience at Augustana.
  • 92 percent of graduates agreed that faculty at Augustana cared about them as a person.
  • 96 percent of graduates reported that they had at least one professor who made them excited about learning.
  • 96 percent of graduates who responded reported that they participated in experiential learning.

More employment data, as well as other post-graduation activities and destinations for members of the Augustana Class of 2021, are detailed in the Career Outcomes Report, published by the Student Success Center at augie.edu/outcomes.

Want to stay in the know?

Get our free business news delivered to your inbox.



Augustana University 2021 Outcomes Report: 99% of recent graduates employed in major or chosen field

The employment rate is impressive but so is where they’re working and what they’re earning. Take a look at the job prospects realized by these recent college graduates.

News Tip

Have a business news item to share with us?

Scroll to top