Career Outcomes for WMU Graduates

Data for the 2019-20 report was obtained for 71% (N=3,493) of the graduating class. Data was self-reported. We surveyed all (N=4,927) WMU students graduating with bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees between August 2019 and June 2020. 

91% of WMU graduates were actively engaged in full-time employment (70%), part-time employment (2%), military service (1%), full-time volunteer service (0.1%), and further education (18%).

• 70% were employed full time.

• Median salary was $45,000–$50,000 based on 1,164 reported salaries.

• 91% have a job related to their degree.

• 88% are satisfied with their job.

Salary ranges for full-time employment

Type of employers

55% of graduates work for for-profit businesses, 14% for nonprofit organizations, 21% for educational institutions, and 10% for government. 

Select employers of undergraduate degrees

Select employers of graduate degrees

Location of full-time employment

• 79% work in Michigan; 18% work throughout the United States; and 3% work outside the U.S.
• Top states: Illinois, Indiana, California, Texas, Ohio, Florida, Virginia, Wisconsin, Colorado, Pennsylvania, New York, North Carolina, and Tennessee.
• Top countries: Dominican Republic, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Japan, Canada, China, Ghana, and Malaysia.

93% of WMU graduates completed at least one experiential education activity.

• 67% had an internship, co-op, practicum, or field experience where they applied what they were learning in the classroom.
• 61% had a job (full time or part time; on or off campus) where they applied what they were learning in the classroom.
• 59% worked on a project that took a semester or more to complete (e.g., capstone, senior design, senior performance project).
• 45% were very active in extracurricular activities and organizations (e.g., leadership role, or involved in multiple organizations such as RSO, intramurals, club sports, or volunteerism).

Select internship employers

• 21% of undergraduates and 12% of graduate degree recipients will be pursuing further education after completing their WMU degree.
• 65% will pursue master's degrees, 19% doctoral degrees, and 6% professional schools.
• WMU graduates are pursuing further education in 179 fields of study.
• 64% attend WMU for further education. 

Top institutions chosen for further education

Top fields chosen for further education