SPOKANE, Wash. — Approximately 95% of the Gonzaga University graduates who earned their bachelor’s or graduate degrees with the class of 2018 reported they are employed (full- or part-time), continuing their education or doing volunteer work.

Gonzaga’s 2018 First Destination Survey Report includes data collected from 1,608 of the 1,903 graduates who earned degrees between July 1, 2017 and June 30, 2018. The report found that 76% of graduates are working (full- or part-time, including 1% in the military), 14% are continuing their education, and 4% are volunteering. Five percent of the graduates were still seeking employment or acceptance into a graduate or professional school on Dec. 31, 2018; 1% were not, for a variety of reasons — including taking time off and traveling — pursuing employment or continued education.

Ninety-four percent of the bachelor’s degree recipients (928 of 987) and 97% of the graduate degree recipients (603 of 621) were employed, continuing their education or serving as volunteers, the report states. While the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) has not yet issued its success rate report for 2018, it reports that 81.2% of 2017 bachelor’s degree graduates nationwide were employed or in graduate school within six months of graduation.

Gonzaga No. 1 in State for Grads Getting Jobs

According to a recent report published by Zippia, Gonzaga ranks No. 1 among colleges and universities in the state of Washington in 2019 for the percentage of alumni with jobs. Zippia, a career site, reports that 92% of Gonzaga graduates are employed 10 years after graduation.

Ray Angle, assistant vice president of career and professional development at Gonzaga, said Gonzaga graduates have an excellent reputation among employers.

“Gonzaga University graduates are thriving in their careers,” Angle said. “A Gonzaga education allows them to make immediate contributions to a variety of sectors including volunteer service, corporations and not-for-profit. Employers routinely comment on how well prepared our graduates are which makes them a hot commodity in today’s challenging and changing workforce.”

After graduating, the top five destination cities for Gonzaga graduates are Spokane (351), Seattle (346), Portland (78) and Los Angeles (51) and San Francisco (49).

Prepared by Gonzaga’s career and professional development office, the report was compiled in adherence with guidelines set by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE). The First Destination Report, which includes data obtained from the graduates and through staff research, results in a “knowledge rate” of 84% — far exceeding the NACE suggested knowledge rate of 65%. The report includes all graduates of Gonzaga except for the School of Law, which follows separate employment reporting protocols required by the American Bar Association. 

“The Gonzaga community — faculty, employers, alumni, parents, Regents and Trustees — is deeply committed to the success of our students. This report reflects that commitment,” Angle said. “The career and professional development team is excited to work with these stakeholders who are always eager to help our students achieve their goals.”

Media: For more information, please contact Ray Angle at (509) 313-4086 or angle@gonzaga.edu.