Six months after graduation, 99% of the members of the Wabash College Class of 2023 have settled into a first destination—employment, graduate school, or service.
It marks the seventh consecutive year in which Wabash graduates have claimed their first destinations at rates among the highest in the nation—well above the 84.1% Career Outcomes Rate as reported by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, which is the best current measure for national comparison.
Nearly 70% of the Class of 2023 secured their first destination prior to graduating in May. Since 2017, the Wabash first-destination rate has not been lower than 95%.
“Our first-destination rate is proof that a Wabash education adds exceptional value and that our graduates are in 
demand,” said President Scott Feller. “We’re proud of our professional development staff, internship program, and alumni network, all of which help produce these incredible results year-over-year.”
The nation’s second-ranked alumni network and fourth-ranked internship program, according to The Princeton Review, merge with Wabash’s outstanding liberal arts education to drive its graduates to high levels of success. Wabash was ranked No. 9 on the DegreeChoices.com list of Best Liberal Arts Colleges and a Top Performer on Social Mobility by U.S. News & World Report.
Of the 175 members of the Class of 2023, 91 (52%) elected to accept employment or postgraduate educational opportunities in Indiana.
“As an alumnus and dean, I am very proud of the outcomes our graduates achieve each year,” said Steven Jones ’87, dean for professional development. “I am hopeful they are passionate about further developing their skills and increasing their return on investment even more.”
Through the work of the Schroeder Center for Career Development, students are regularly engaged in programming that keeps them focused on successful pathways after graduation. Weekly “Coffee and Careers” sessions and employment recruiting events are two of the many opportunities for students to connect with potential employers and graduate schools.
Additionally, the professional development team works to provide programming that meets the current senior class where they are. During the fall break, seniors had the opportunity to engage in a Professional Immersion Experience (PIE) on campus. Professional Development staff led students through a series of workshops on job search strategies, articulating strengths and experiences, networking, interviewing, and accessing alumni as a resource. The program closed with mock interviews conducted by alumni and friends of the College and a networking lunch to share feedback.
“I am really proud of the tenacity the Class of 2023 showed in pursuing their post-graduate plans,” said Cassie Hagan, director of professional development and the Center for Innovation, Business, and Entrepreneurship. “To land these types of outcomes is evidence that our students are courageous enough to go after highly competitive jobs, fellowships, and graduate programs, or pursue passions in the arts, education, and advocacy work. Wabash is proud of what they have and will accomplish.”
Members of the Class of 2023 showed interest in a number of fields, including commercial real estate, education, entrepreneurship, sports management, and logistics. They were hired by employers like Ernst & Young,
Eli Lilly, Korn Ferry, Simon Property Group, Welch Packaging, Hometown Logistics, and UKG.
A total of 45 members of the class accepted postgraduate opportunities at institutions like Columbia University, Cornell University, Florida State University, Indiana University, University of Notre Dame, Purdue University, Wake Forest University, and Washington University in St. Louis. Eight members of the class accepted international fellowships, including the Marshall and Yenching Scholarships, while four others earned Orr Fellowships.
The exemplary post-graduate success rates echo much of the news for the 191-year-old liberal arts college. The Princeton Review offers 50 ranking lists, identifying the top-25 colleges nationally (of the 389 profiled) in each of those specific categories. The surveys address a range of topics that prospective students might find interesting or ask about on a campus visit, from academics and administration to amenities, politics, and social life. In addition to Wabash’s outstanding internship program, alumni network, and career services, Wabash appeared on 40% of the 50 lists and ranked in the top-10 in 10 of those.
In September, U.S. News & World Report ranked Wabash 28th nationally as a Best Value School and included the institution in the Top Tier of National Liberal Arts Colleges.