by Lauren McGuire, Student Public Relations Writer
Cedarville University’s class of 2020 was prepared for success even in the midst of a global pandemic.
Cedarville’s First Destination Knowledge Rate, which was released this week, shows that 96.9% of Cedarville’s 2020 graduates were employed or attending graduate school six to eight months after graduation. The First Destination rate survey was completed and returned by 87.8% of the senior class.
According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) association, which monitors the First Destination Knowledge Rate results nationally, 65% of students returning the survey ensures the most accurate results.
Cedarville has maintained a First Destination rate above the national rate consistently for several years. The last three-year average at Cedarville including 2020 is 97.9%. The past five-year average is 97.5%. The national average of the past five years is 84%.
“The high percentage of students employed or attending graduate school speaks well of the kind of students who study at Cedarville University,” said Jeff Reep, director of career services. “Our students are high-character individuals with integrity. They are well prepared for their chosen discipline, which speaks well to faculty and students.”
When students enter college their freshman year, many parents are concerned about the “return on investment” for their student.
“All colleges and universities put a lot of emphasis on recruiting, but not on equipping students for post-graduation,” said Reep. “I am grateful that nearly 97% of our recent graduates are employed or in graduate school. This is very significant.”
Students from the class of 2020 are employed by companies including Amazon, JP Morgan, Cleveland Clinic, and Ball Aerospace. They also were admitted to graduate schools at Ohio State University’s College of Medicine, the University of Cincinnati Law School, and the New York Academy of Art.
Located in southwest Ohio, Cedarville University is an accredited, Christ-centered, Baptist institution with an enrollment of 4,550 undergraduate, graduate, and online students in more than 150 areas of study. Founded in 1887, Cedarville is one of the largest private universities in Ohio, recognized nationally for its authentic Christian community, rigorous academic programs, strong graduation, and retention rates, accredited professional and health science offerings, and high student engagement ranking. For more information about the University, visit www.cedarville.edu.