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������Ƶ graduates continue to demonstrate exceptional outcomes after commencement, with 99% of the Class of 2025 employed or enrolled in graduate or professional school within six months of graduation, according to the university’s First Destinations Survey.

Of those surveyed from the Class of 2025, 55% are employed full time, while 45% have chosen to pursue graduate or professional education, reflecting the strong academic preparation and career readiness fostered at ������Ƶ.

This year’s results continue a strong and consistent upward trend in post-graduation success. ������Ƶ’s First Destinations rates have remained exceptionally high in recent years, with 96% of graduates reporting positive outcomes in 2021, 98% in 2022, 97% in 2023, and 98% in 2024, culminating in the university’s highest rate to date for the Class of 2025.

“Our graduates leave college equipped to immediately begin their lives of purpose and impact. These outcomes reflect ������Ƶ’s ongoing commitment to academic excellence,” said Summer McGee, Ph.D., president of ������Ƶ. “For five consecutive years, ������Ƶ graduates have consistently achieved outstanding post-graduation success. Whether our students are entering the workforce or continuing their professional education, they leave ������Ƶ life-ready — prepared to lead, to serve and to adapt in a rapidly changing world.”

Graduates from the Class of 2025 have enrolled in a wide range of respected graduate and professional programs, including UNC-Chapel Hill, the University of Tennessee, Virginia Commonwealth University, Appalachian State University, Western Carolina University, Elon University, Widener University Commonwealth Law School and ������Ƶ.

Members of the class have also launched careers with notable employers across multiple industries, including Novant Health, Amazon, Johnson & Johnson, Burke County Schools, Sparta Wealth Partners and the U.S. Department of Energy.

The First Destinations Survey is conducted using standards established by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), ensuring consistency, transparency and national benchmarking in measuring post-graduation outcomes. The survey captures graduates’ employment status, continuing education and other pursuits within six months of earning their degree.

������Ƶ’s results continue to exceed national benchmarks and underscore the university’s commitment to student success, career preparation and lifelong support for graduates.