ARKADELPHIA — Ouachita Baptist University reported yet another graduating class found success in their post-graduate pursuits as 99% of the 2019 graduating class currently is employed or furthering their education. The number also exceeds the most recent national average of 93% for colleges and universities.
“This outstanding statistic is reflective of many years of hard work by our students and the faculty and staff who prepare them for the next step after Ouachita,” said Dr. Ben Sells, Ouachita president. “Ouachita is the #1 ‘Best Value’ college in Arkansas, according to Niche.com. This is further evidence that Ouachita provides true value to its students.”
This is the second consecutive year Ouachita’s student career outcomes rate has exceeded the national average reported by the National Association for Continuing Education (NACE). Last year, Ouachita’s 99% placement rate surpassed the national average by 15%.
The “career outcomes rate” – often called a placement rate – is the percentage of graduates who are working full or part-time or attending graduate school within six months of graduation.
“I am extremely proud of our graduates and will continue to strengthen key partnerships with employers who are eager to hire our students because they demonstrate high levels of performance and strong principles,” said Rachel Roberts, Ouachita’s director of career and calling.
Ouachita’s student career outcomes rate is based on its First Destination Survey, which follows the standard established in the annual data collection by NACE each year.
Of the 330 Ouachita graduates who were contacted, 83% completed the survey compared to a national knowledge rate of 75%. Nearly a third of Ouachita’s most recent class of graduates, 30.9%, are attending graduate or professional school.