Samford University graduates continue to enter the workforce quickly and successfully. Six months after graduation, 97 percent of May 2019 graduates reported being either employed or continuing their education in graduate school. Samford’s Career Development Center surveys all graduates of undergraduate programs annually. This year’s survey had a 99 percent response rate.

“We are thrilled with the number and know it reflects well not only on our students, but also on the faculty and staff who have poured time, effort, and knowledge into helping them succeed,” said Dora Ditchfield, Director of Samford’s Career Development Center.

Professional experience prior to graduation is one factor that Samford students agree is key to success in a competitive job market. In recent results reported by the National Survey of Student Engagement, 88% of Samford seniors have completed or planned to do an internship by the time they graduate, compared to 63% of seniors at peer institutions. The high rate of engagement speaks to the student support provided by faculty and staff. Beginning their freshman year, students are equipped with resources to explore interests and career aspirations through student organizations, global engagement opportunities and individual career counseling services. The result is a highly-tailored educational experience that results in high employment and graduate school acceptance rates among graduates.  

Many successful graduates go on to make a significant impact on workforce development in the greater Birmingham area. While Samford enrolls students from 47 states and 28 countries, the university is a significant net importer of human capital to both the state of Alabama as well as the Birmingham metropolitan area. According to a recent analysis, between 2010-18, 25% of all students whose home state was outside of Alabama decided to remain in Alabama employed or in graduate school after graduation. 

Find out more about student services offered by the Career Development Center