BLOOMINGTON, Ill. 鈥� Nearly 99% of Titans from the class of 2025 were employed or continuing
their education within six months of graduating from 蓝莓视频,
according to the annual conducted by IWU鈥檚 Hart Career Center.
Based on an 88% response rate, the survey found that 72% of 2025 alumni were employed full-time with an average starting salary of $58,132, ranging up to $85,000. Graduates secured positions across a broad range of industries, with healthcare, insurance, K-12 education, accounting, higher education and commercial banking and credit among the top employment industries. Additionally, nearly 20% of respondents were enrolled in continuing education 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.
鈥淭he IWU Class of 2025 reported strong results as evidenced through our annual First Destination Survey,鈥� shared Warren Kistner, Director of the Hart Career Center. "Students were facing a challenging job market, the advancement of AI and other factors that made it a challenging year."
Kistner added that despite those considerations, IWU graduates reported a 98.5% success rate, with graduates either employed or accepted into graduate programs.
Erin Cohan, Director of Talent Acquisition at Northwestern Medicine, said they have had great success hiring students from Illinois Wesleyan over the years.
鈥淭heir liberal arts focus produces students with strong critical thinking, communication and adaptability. These skills are especially valuable in healthcare environments, where collaboration and problem-solving are essential.鈥�
The survey found that 70% of Titans in the class of 2025 completed at least one internship during their time at Illinois Wesleyan, helping students gain professional experience and build industry connections before graduation.
Graduates reported employment in 20 states and the District of Columbia, and in 3 locations outside of the United States: Canada, Spain, and Uzbekistan. Students pursuing graduate or professional education reported enrollment in 12 states and the District of Columbia. The percentage of graduates continuing their education remained consistent with previous years, with 19.5% enrolled in graduate or professional programs.
Consistent with the First Destination Survey results, Illinois Wesleyan continues to receive national recognition for student outcomes and academic excellence. Illinois Wesleyan is regularly recognized among the nation鈥檚 top liberal arts institutions as it ranks #7 in the nation and #1 in Illinois on Zippia's list of .