BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — Nearly 99% of alumni from the class of 2023 were employed or continuing their education within six months of graduating from Illinois Wesleyan University, according to the annual First Destination Survey conducted by IWU’s Hart Career Center. 

Based on a 90% response rate, the survey found that 77% of 2023 graduates were employed full-time with an average starting salary of $57,162. While graduates secured jobs in a variety of fields, the top industries were healthcare, K-12 education, performing and fine arts and insurance. Meanwhile, 17% of respondents were enrolled in graduate or professional programs.

Guided by principles from the National Association of Colleges and Employers, the First Destination Survey allows the Hart Career Center to track student success and share outcomes with prospective IWU students and families.

“The post-grad success rate speaks to IWU's rigorous academic programs, robust experiential learning opportunities and comprehensive career development resources all rooted in the liberal arts tradition,” said Kelly Bay, associate director of the Hart Career Center. "Our students graduate with a diverse skill set that expands beyond their major course of study. Their well-rounded curricular and extra-curricular experiences foster the development of essential employability skills that ensure IWU students are competitive in today's job market."

The survey found 72% of Titans in the class of 2023 prepared for post-graduate careers with at least one internship at Illinois Wesleyan, and 31% of students participated in undergraduate research.

Graduates reported employment in 29 states and the District of Columbia, and in two locations outside of the United States, in Japan and Pakistan. Students in graduate or professional programs reported enrollment in 16 states with two students studying in international locations: England and Canada. 

Consistent with the First Destination Survey results, Illinois Wesleyan continues to be recognized nationally for graduate success. According to a 2023 evaluation by Washington Monthly, Illinois Wesleyan is #5 in the nation for contribution to the public good in three broad categories: social mobility, research and promoting public service.