Dec 13, 2023

UNI graduates impact Iowa and beyond

As hundreds of UNI students prepare for Commencement on Dec. 16, it’s time to celebrate the accomplishments of our graduates! From accountants to elementary school teachers and beyond, UNI graduates are poised to have a major impact. This is especially evident in Iowa, where, historically, 86% of residents remain after leaving UNI.

“Year after year, I have the privilege of seeing UNI graduates go on to thrive in their professions and make a real difference in their communities,” said Robert Frederick, director of Career Services at UNI. “Each individual is unique, but the common thread among UNI grads is crystal clear: they showcase the very skills—leadership, problem-solving, teamwork, communication, organization, time management—that employers value today. Our amazing faculty, coursework and top-notch internship programs all play a huge role in making this happen.”

An overwhelming 97% of UNI graduates report starting a new job, continuing their education or meeting their professional expectations within six months of graduation. In fact, the average UNI senior will accept their first full-time job offer three months prior to graduation. These jobs are competitive, with a mean starting salary of almost $53,000!

When you look at the hands-on experience UNI students get, it’s no wonder they are career-ready. More than 90% of UNI students acquire some kind of field experience before graduation, whether that’s student teaching, an internship or relevant work experience.
 

UNI graduates in caps and gowns clap at Commencement