Get Help

Educational investment pays off for CU grads

June 20, 2017

Nearly 1,000 Clarion University graduates began new chapters in their lives at spring commencement May 13, and they did so with college degrees in hand and, for many, full-time positions awaiting their arrival.

Clarion surveyed the graduates to learn about their future plans. Students from all degree programs – associate, bachelor's, master's and doctorate – had the opportunity to complete a survey about their future plans, and 78 percent did.

Of the respondents, 96 percent believe that their Clarion University degree is valuable. In fact, before they donned their caps and gowns, 40 percent of the students had accepted or are continuing in full-time employment positions, and 76 percent say their employment is related to their degree. Of those reporting full-time employment, 28 percent are working in healthcare, 22 percent in education and 21 percent in business.

Of the respondents with full-time employment, 36 percent completed their degrees completely online, fitting classes into busy family and work schedules, and 27 percent had completed master's or doctorate degrees.

"One of our most important goals at Clarion University is to prepare students for work in their chosen careers and professions," said Dr. Todd Pfannestiel, interim provost. "As incoming freshmen, they are increasingly indicating their desire for meaningful employment upon graduation. To have so many of them reporting to us that they have achieved that goal at the outset of their career is important knowledge."

Twenty-one percent of graduates plan to continue their education, confident in the preparation Clarion provided.

"For me, it's about working with our students so when they graduate, they are realizing their dreams through their Clarion University experience," said President Karen Whitney.

Last Updated 1/11/21