94% of U of A Graduates Surveyed Launch Careers or Continue Education Within Six Months

Graduation is a finish line, but for thousands of Razorbacks each year, it's also the beginning of what's next: a first job, graduate school, a move to a new city or the chance to put years of learning into practice.

Recent U of A data shows that for most graduates, that next step comes quickly.

According to the 2025 First Destination Survey, 94% of responding graduates reported a post-graduation outcome within six months of earning their degree — whether that was securing employment, continuing their education or pursuing another path.

The findings offer a snapshot of where Razorbacks go after graduation and how their university experience prepares them for what's next.

Career Outcomes for Graduates

Of the 5,517 graduates for whom the Student Affairs Assessment & Strategic Analysis team obtained post-graduation outcome data through survey responses or online sources, 71.7% were employed, 21.8% were continuing their education and 0.9% reported another outcome. Only 5.6% were still seeking employment. These graduates were part of a group of 8,320 students who graduated in August 2024, December 2024 and May 2025.

"A 94% career outcome is extraordinary," said Erica Estes, assistant vice chancellor and executive director of the Offices of Career Connections in the Division of Student Affairs. "This number demonstrates the University of Arkansas is dedicated to connecting students with employers and educational opportunities, helping them articulate the value of their educational experience and teaching them how to find their next step."

Estes said the results also reflect the university's continued investment in matching the student experience with workforce needs and realities.

The findings show an encouraging trend. According to Teah-Marie Bynion, senior director of assessment and strategic analytics for the Division of Student Affairs, the percentage of graduates who reported they were still seeking employment dropped from 15% in 2021 to 5% in 2025, reflecting a growing number of students who graduate with a job offer or plans for continued education.

For many, opportunity remains close to home.

The top employers hiring U of A graduates were the U of A, Walmart, Tyson Foods, J.B. Hunt Transport Services and Ernst & Young, the survey showed. Together, those organizations hired hundreds of graduates and have a significant presence in Northwest Arkansas.

"We are truly fortunate to live in such a robust, thriving local economy where our top employers hire so many of our graduates and alumni," Estes said.

At the same time, Estes noted, graduates accepted positions with more than 2,500 unique employers, underscoring the breadth of opportunities for Razorbacks and the importance of continuing to grow industry partnerships.

The survey also found that roughly 32% of out-of-state students who took the survey remained in Arkansas after graduation, contributing to the state's workforce and talent pipeline.

Estes said the outcome aligns with the university's land-grant mission and highlights the institution's impact in helping strengthen the state's workforce and economy.

According to Bynion, beyond highlighting graduate success, the data helps the university evaluate services, support program improvements and inform current and prospective students about post-graduation pathways.

"Strong career outcomes are a great indicator that the university's and division's student-success priorities are achieving the results that we all want for our Razorback community," Bynion said.