DSU maintains placement rates of 98% and 100% for 2020

June 24, 2021

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, Dakota State University graduates had high job placement numbers for 2020. The placement rates are 98% for undergraduate and 100% for graduate outcomes.

Placement rates are the number of graduates who report having found employment (full- or part-time), volunteer work, military service, or are continuing education after graduation.

DSU’s knowledge rates are high as well. The knowledge rates are the percentage of graduates that DSU has received verifiable information regarding their post-graduate careers. Dakota State heard back from 90% of undergraduates and 93% of graduates.

“We are hearing from nearly all of our graduates,” said Deb Roach, director of Career Services. “This is very unique to DSU.”

The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), in its “First Destination Standards and Protocols,” provides a target goal of a 65% knowledge rate for colleges and universities. 

“The higher the response the more statistically sound the data,” she explained.

Nearly 58% of 2020 undergrads are employed in South Dakota, while just over 26% of graduate students are employed in South Dakota.

The average entry salary for DSU undergraduates, excluding education, is $50,604.85. Undergraduates who earn education degrees have an average entry salary of $41,351.31.

These outcome reports help show the success of DSU and its programs.

“One key benefit for those that are exploring university options is they can get a glimpse of what graduates are doing when they graduate, where others in their major are landing, what companies, and types of positions,” Roach said.