BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — More than 98% of Titans from the class of 2024 were employed or
pursuing advanced degrees 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 an 87% response rate, the survey found that 73% of 2024 alumni were employed
full-time with an average starting salary of $57,342 and ranging up to $120,000. While
graduates secured jobs in a variety of fields, the top industries were healthcare
and insurance. Additionally, nearly 20% 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 IWU class of 2024 fared well as evidenced through our annual First Destination
Survey," shared Warren Kistner, Director of the Hart Career Center. “Illinois Wesleyan
University students often have a combination of strong technical skills but also have
the ability to work effectively with their co-workers, a desire to learn and the ability
to adapt to new environments."
Kistner added that he has heard from employers who say Titans are clearly well-prepared not only in their chosen field, but also through their highly developed transferable skills that are essential to success in today's rapidly changing career landscape.
Chad Maxwell '02, President of Kelly Scott Madison, has hired numerous IWU graduates over the years at the marketing agency in Chicago.
“One of the vast differences, and a large advantage, of Illinois Wesleyan’s liberal arts education is the way it fosters critical thinking, ideation, and problem solving,” said Maxwell. “In the age of AI and speed, information is not the issue. The issue is synthesis, new questions, new ideas and the ability to communicate them. Illinois Wesleyan students are uniquely positioned to add extraordinary value to any organization.”
The survey found 73% of Titans in the class of 2024 prepared for post-graduate careers with at least one internship at Illinois Wesleyan, and 41% of students participated in undergraduate research.
Graduates reported employment in 26 states and in one location outside of the United States, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Students in graduate or professional programs reported enrollment in 16 states and the District of Columbia. The percentage of graduates pursuing graduate or professional school increased over last year from approximately 17% to 20%.
Consistent with the First Destination Survey results, Illinois Wesleyan continues to be recognized nationally for graduate success. According to 2024 evaluations by national ranking systems, Illinois Wesleyan is ranked #8 in the country for all baccalaureate colleges and was named the top baccalaureate college in Illinois by Washington Monthly; and Niche ranked IWU as the #2 best small college in Illinois and the #6 best college overall in the state.