High Point University Career Outcomes
The #1 University in North Carolina for Career Placement
At High Point University, 99.2% of the Class of 2024 secured employment or enrolled in graduate school within 180 days of graduation. Verified by NACE. 14 points above the national average. Fortune reported HPU’s job placement rate is beating Ivy League institutions. Ranked among the top universities in the nation for career outcomes.
Class of 2024 Career Outcomes
99.2%
Employed or enrolled in graduate school within 180 days. Measured by NACE. The national average is 85.2%.
"High Point University's 99.2% job placement rate is beating Ivies"
Fortune investigated how a university in High Point, North Carolina is out-placing Ivy League schools on immediate post-graduation employment. The answer is a life skills curriculum that Wall Street firms actively recruit from. HPU's NACE-verified 99.2% placement rate is 14 points above the national average and, according to Fortune, beats the Ivies on the metric that matters most to a new graduate: a job on day one.
"Near-perfect placement is not accidental but engineered through curriculum, coaching, and employer relationships."
The Chronicle of Higher Education documented how the entry-level job market is punishing most new graduates — then profiled HPU's class going the other direction. The Chronicle found that HPU's near-perfect placement rate is deliberate: built through curriculum design, systematic coaching, and employer relationships cultivated over years. Graduates enter the workforce already knowing how to perform. Employers come back to recruit the next class.
"A 99% job placement or graduate school enrollment rate within six months of graduation, about 14% above the national average"
The Washington Times, in a national examination of whether universities are still delivering value for students and families, used HPU as its primary example of a private institution getting it right. The placement figure is now independently documented by Fortune, The Chronicle of Higher Education, and The Washington Times.
"The #1 Best-Run College in the Nation"
The Princeton Review attributes HPU’s success to an unmatched campus ecosystem, ranking the university #1 for Best-Run College and #9 for Best Career Services. Recognized as a 'values-based institution' where 'extraordinary professors put students first,' HPU provides the comprehensive support and mentorship required to launch successful careers.
Real Jobs. Real Graduates.
Every logo represents an HPU graduate who walked in prepared, credentialed, and ready to contribute from day one.
The skills employers actually want.
HPU surveyed 500 C-suite executives nationwide. The answer was consistent: technical skills change. The skills that last are motivation, emotional intelligence, coachability, resilience, and the ability to communicate clearly under pressure.
That is why HPU built its entire curriculum around life skills. Not as an elective. Not as a senior-year workshop. As the foundation.
Students learn to present themselves in a boardroom through Access to Innovators, where they sit across from leaders like Netflix co-founder Marc Randolph and Domino's CEO Russell Weiner. They earn microcredentials in the Life Skills and Leadership Series. They practice professional dining at 1924 PRIME, because knowing how to conduct yourself at a business dinner is not a perk. It is a career skill.
The result: graduates who walk into their first day already knowing how to operate.
Right: Byron Pitts, Co-Anchor, ABC News Nightline, coaching HPU students
That is why HPU built its entire curriculum around life skills. Not as an elective. Not as a senior-year workshop. As the foundation.
Students learn to present themselves in a boardroom through Access to Innovators, where they sit across from leaders like Netflix co-founder Marc Randolph and Domino's CEO Russell Weiner. They earn microcredentials in the Life Skills and Leadership Series. They practice professional dining at 1924 PRIME, because knowing how to conduct yourself at a business dinner is not a perk. It is a career skill.
The result: graduates who walk into their first day already knowing how to operate.
Right: Byron Pitts, Co-Anchor, ABC News Nightline, coaching HPU students
Starting salaries by field
The data below comes directly from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and reflects what competitive candidates earn in their first roles, organized by industry and degree level. Pick a sector to see the breakdown.
Technology and the physical sciences remain the highest-compensated entry-level fields in the American economy. Employers place a premium on systems-level thinking, complex problem solving, and direct contribution to revenue or research pipelines. HPU graduates in these fields combine rigorous technical training with the communication and leadership skills that separate them from peers at larger research universities.
HPU Computer Science and Engineering graduates land roles as software engineers, application developers, and associate software analysts. The role involves designing applications, building software systems, and integrating cloud infrastructure. Software developers are among the most in-demand roles in the American economy, and HPU graduates consistently secure placements at elite technology and financial firms, including Morgan Stanley and The MathWorks.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Software Developers (15-1252)
HPU graduates with strong quantitative backgrounds secure highly technical roles as global data analysts, business intelligence analysts, and market data analysts. These positions involve extracting meaning from complex datasets, maintaining enterprise dashboards, and guiding corporate strategy. Because this role spans multiple industries, HPU graduates are heavily recruited by massive data integrators and scientific pioneers, including Bloomberg L.P. and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Data Scientists and Business Intelligence Analysts (15-2051)
HPU Chemistry and Physics graduates enter the research and manufacturing sectors as analytical chemists, synthetic chemists, and formulation scientists. The role involves conducting complex qualitative and quantitative experiments and ensuring quality control. Strong laboratory training allows graduates to secure competitive entry-level positions in high-margin sectors, with recent placements at BASF and the U.S. Department of Defense.
The corporate strategy and legal sectors reward quantitative rigor, relationship management, and direct impact on organizational growth. HPU’s Earl N. Phillips School of Business, combined with our Wall Street employer relationships and pre-law advising tracks, gives graduates access to high-margin sectors where starting compensation is exceptionally strong. Advanced degrees in law, accounting, and economics multiply earning potential significantly.
HPU graduates who pursue their Juris Doctor (JD) return to the corporate sector as associate attorneys, corporate counsel, and compliance directors. These roles involve navigating complex commercial litigation, managing enterprise risk, and advising executive boards on legal strategy. Because entry into the profession requires an advanced degree and strict bar licensure, the starting wage floor is significantly elevated, particularly for those entering highly capitalized consulting and law firms.
HPU graduates operating at the intersection of business administration and corporate strategy frequently secure roles as management consultants and operations analysts. These professionals conduct sweeping organizational studies, design procedural systems, and advise enterprise management on efficiency and profitability. Graduates are actively recruited by major financial and administrative consultancies like UBS Financial and Red Ventures.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Management Analysts (13-1111)
HPU Finance and Economics graduates work as financial analysts, equity research associates, investment banking analysts, and corporate finance associates. The role involves valuing businesses, analyzing investment programs, and interpreting financial data to guide capital allocation. Graduates recruited by major investment banks and global conglomerates—including Morgan Stanley, Deloitte Corporate Finance, and Lockheed Martin—typically command the top of the entry range.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Financial and Investment Analysts (13-2051)
HPU Accountancy graduates enter public accounting firms and corporate enterprises as staff accountants, auditors, tax associates, and assurance associates. A Master of Accountancy meets the 150-credit-hour CPA licensure requirement. Thanks to this advanced preparation, HPU graduates are heavily recruited by the “Big Four” and top-tier national accounting firms, including PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), Ernst & Young (EY), and RSM US LLP.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Accountants and Auditors (13-2011)
Healthcare is the most resilient sector in the American labor market. Rigid licensure requirements, persistent clinical shortages, and inelastic patient demand create exceptional wage floors that are protected from macroeconomic downturns. HPU’s Congdon School of Health Sciences, Workman School of Dental Medicine, Fred Wilson School of Pharmacy, and Teresa B. Caine School of Nursing give graduates direct pathways into these protected professions.
HPU graduates from the Doctor of Pharmacy program enter clinical practice and residency programs with immediate clinical authority and high compensation. Pharmacists manage complex medication therapies, advise physicians, and ensure patient safety. Our graduates secure highly competitive clinical pharmacy residencies and instructional roles at institutions like Ascension St. Vincent and various collegiate Schools of Pharmacy.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Pharmacists (29-1051)
HPU graduates with degrees in Neuroscience, Biology, and Strategic Communication often cross over into the highly regulated field of clinical research. These roles involve designing, managing, and monitoring clinical trials for new pharmaceuticals and medical devices at massive healthcare institutions like Labcorp and the Massachusetts Eye Research and Surgery Institution.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Medical Scientists and Clinical Researchers (19-1042)
HPU graduates holding a Master of Science in Athletic Training enter the field as certified athletic trainers for professional sports organizations, universities, and clinical rehabilitation centers, including elite institutional placements like the Duke University Medical Center. Because entry into the profession requires rigorous clinical hours and board certification, starting wages represent a solid entry-level floor with rapid progression potential.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Athletic Trainers (29-9091)
The modern communications and design landscape demands a blend of rigorous technical proficiency and compelling storytelling. HPU graduates in these fields utilize cutting-edge digital software, spatial reasoning, and strategic communication to shape consumer behavior and brand identity. A strong portfolio and professional studio training allow HPU graduates to secure positions at top agencies, architectural firms, and corporate marketing departments.
HPU graduates in graphic design, interactive media, and digital imaging work as graphic designers, UX/UI designers, digital interface designers, and front-end specialists. The role focuses on visual communication, accessibility, and the usability of digital products. Thanks to robust portfolios, HPU designers are actively placed at massive media and creative conglomerates like ESPN, Fox News, and Zimmerman Advertising.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Graphic Designers (27-1024)
HPU Interior Design graduates enter the workforce as architectural designers, commercial designers, and showroom coordinators. The role involves planning, designing, and furnishing interiors of residential, commercial, or industrial buildings. A strong portfolio and rigorous studio training allow HPU graduates to secure positions at top hospitality and design firms globally, including Marriott International and Jonathan Adler.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Interior Designers (27-1025)
HPU Marketing, Communications, and Public Relations graduates work as marketing coordinators, market research analysts, digital marketing specialists, and brand strategists. Modern marketing roles are increasingly technical, with strong demand for graduates who can demonstrate tangible skills in data analytics and digital campaign optimization, leading to placements at global enterprises like Dell Technologies and Office Depot.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists (13-1161)
HPU Strategic Communication and Journalism graduates enter the media landscape as public relations coordinators, corporate communications managers, and media relations specialists. Strong writing skills and crisis management training prepare graduates for highly competitive agency and in-house corporate roles at premier brands like MGM Resorts International, BMW Manufacturing, and USA Baseball.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Public Relations Specialists (27-3031)
HPU Graduate Average Starting Salary: $79,609+
High Point University graduates enter careers spanning technology, business, healthcare, and communications, with 99.2% employed or enrolled in graduate school within 180 days of graduation.
To calculate the average starting salary for an HPU graduate, we looked at 14 career paths where HPU graduates are actively placed, pulled the entry-level wage for each from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, and averaged them.
Sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023 across 14 HPU graduate career paths in STEM and Technology, Business Finance and Law, Healthcare and Life Sciences, and Media Design and Marketing.
The 14 roles, their BLS wage floors, and the employer placements behind each number are detailed in the tabs above.
Methodology: Bachelor’s-level roles use the BLS 25th percentile wage. Roles requiring an advanced or doctoral degree use the 50th percentile. Averaged across all 14 classifications, the result is $79,609+.
Technology and the physical sciences remain the highest-compensated entry-level fields in the American economy. Employers place a premium on systems-level thinking, complex problem solving, and direct contribution to revenue or research pipelines. HPU graduates in these fields combine rigorous technical training with the communication and leadership skills that separate them from peers at larger research universities.
-
Software Developers
Bachelor’s
$101,200+HPU Computer Science and Engineering graduates land roles as software engineers, application developers, and associate software analysts. The role involves designing applications, building software systems, and integrating cloud infrastructure. Software developers are among the most in-demand roles in the American economy, and HPU graduates consistently secure placements at elite technology and financial firms, including Morgan Stanley and The MathWorks.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Software Developers (SOC 15-1252)
-
Data and Business Intelligence Analysts
Bachelor’s
$79,810+HPU graduates with strong quantitative backgrounds secure highly technical roles as global data analysts, business intelligence analysts, and market data analysts. These positions involve extracting meaning from complex datasets, maintaining enterprise dashboards, and guiding corporate strategy. HPU graduates are heavily recruited by massive data integrators and scientific pioneers, including Bloomberg L.P. and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Data Scientists and Business Intelligence Analysts (SOC 15-2051)
-
Chemists and Physical Scientists
Bachelor’s
$64,940+HPU Chemistry and Physics graduates enter the research and manufacturing sectors as analytical chemists, synthetic chemists, and formulation scientists. The role involves conducting complex qualitative and quantitative experiments and ensuring quality control. Strong laboratory training allows graduates to secure competitive entry-level positions in high-margin sectors, with recent placements at BASF and the U.S. Department of Defense.
The corporate strategy and legal sectors reward quantitative rigor, relationship management, and direct impact on organizational growth. HPU’s Earl N. Phillips School of Business, combined with our Wall Street employer relationships and pre-law advising tracks, gives graduates access to high-margin sectors where starting compensation is exceptionally strong. Advanced degrees in law, accounting, and economics multiply earning potential significantly.
-
Corporate Attorneys and Legal Counsel
Doctorate / JD
$145,760+HPU graduates who pursue their Juris Doctor (JD) return to the corporate sector as associate attorneys, corporate counsel, and compliance directors. These roles involve navigating complex commercial litigation, managing enterprise risk, and advising executive boards on legal strategy. Because entry into the profession requires an advanced degree and strict bar licensure, the starting wage floor is significantly elevated, particularly for those entering highly capitalized consulting and law firms.
-
Management Consultants and Strategy Analysts
Bachelor’s / Master’s
$74,540+HPU graduates operating at the intersection of business administration and corporate strategy frequently secure roles as management consultants and operations analysts. These professionals conduct sweeping organizational studies, design procedural systems, and advise enterprise management on efficiency and profitability. Graduates are actively recruited by major financial and administrative consultancies like UBS Financial and Red Ventures.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Management Analysts (SOC 13-1111)
-
Financial and Investment Analysts
Bachelor’s
$76,880+HPU Finance and Economics graduates work as financial analysts, equity research associates, investment banking analysts, and corporate finance associates. The role involves valuing businesses, analyzing investment programs, and interpreting financial data to guide capital allocation. Graduates recruited by major investment banks including Morgan Stanley, Deloitte Corporate Finance, and Lockheed Martin typically command the top of the entry range.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Financial and Investment Analysts (SOC 13-2051)
-
Accountants and Auditors
Master’s
$79,880+HPU Accountancy graduates enter public accounting firms and corporate enterprises as staff accountants, auditors, tax associates, and assurance associates. A Master of Accountancy meets the 150-credit-hour CPA licensure requirement. HPU graduates are heavily recruited by the Big Four and top-tier national accounting firms, including PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), Ernst & Young (EY), and RSM US LLP.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Accountants and Auditors (SOC 13-2011)
Healthcare is the most resilient sector in the American labor market. Rigid licensure requirements, persistent clinical shortages, and inelastic patient demand create exceptional wage floors that are protected from macroeconomic downturns. HPU’s Congdon School of Health Sciences, Workman School of Dental Medicine, Fred Wilson School of Pharmacy, and Teresa B. Caine School of Nursing give graduates direct pathways into these protected professions.
-
Pharmacists
Doctorate
$136,030+HPU graduates from the Doctor of Pharmacy program enter clinical practice and residency programs with immediate clinical authority and high compensation. Pharmacists manage complex medication therapies, advise physicians, and ensure patient safety. Our graduates secure highly competitive clinical pharmacy residencies and instructional roles at institutions like Ascension St. Vincent and various collegiate Schools of Pharmacy.
-
Clinical Research Coordinators and Medical Scientists
Bachelor’s / Master’s
$100,890+HPU graduates with degrees in Neuroscience, Biology, and Strategic Communication often cross over into the highly regulated field of clinical research. These roles involve designing, managing, and monitoring clinical trials for new pharmaceuticals and medical devices at massive healthcare institutions like Labcorp and the Massachusetts Eye Research and Surgery Institution.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Medical Scientists and Clinical Researchers (SOC 19-1042)
-
Athletic Trainers
Master’s
$57,930+HPU graduates holding a Master of Science in Athletic Training enter the field as certified athletic trainers for professional sports organizations, universities, and clinical rehabilitation centers, including elite institutional placements like the Duke University Medical Center. Because entry into the profession requires rigorous clinical hours and board certification, starting wages represent a solid entry-level floor with rapid progression potential.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Athletic Trainers (SOC 29-9091)
The modern communications and design landscape demands a blend of rigorous technical proficiency and compelling storytelling. HPU graduates in these fields utilize cutting-edge digital software, spatial reasoning, and strategic communication to shape consumer behavior and brand identity. A strong portfolio and professional studio training allow HPU graduates to secure positions at top agencies, architectural firms, and corporate marketing departments.
-
Graphic Designers
Bachelor’s
$45,560+HPU graduates in graphic design, interactive media, and digital imaging work as graphic designers, UX/UI designers, digital interface designers, and front-end specialists. The role focuses on visual communication, accessibility, and the usability of digital products. HPU designers are actively placed at massive media and creative conglomerates like ESPN, Fox News, and Zimmerman Advertising.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Graphic Designers (SOC 27-1024)
-
Interior Designers
Bachelor’s
$47,990+HPU Interior Design graduates enter the workforce as architectural designers, commercial designers, and showroom coordinators. The role involves planning, designing, and furnishing interiors of residential, commercial, or industrial buildings. A strong portfolio and rigorous studio training allow HPU graduates to secure positions at top hospitality and design firms globally, including Marriott International and Jonathan Adler.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Interior Designers (SOC 27-1025)
-
Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists
Bachelor’s
$52,840+HPU Marketing, Communications, and Public Relations graduates work as marketing coordinators, market research analysts, digital marketing specialists, and brand strategists. Modern marketing roles are increasingly technical, with strong demand for graduates who can demonstrate tangible skills in data analytics and digital campaign optimization, leading to placements at global enterprises like Dell Technologies and Office Depot.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists (SOC 13-1161)
-
Public Relations Specialists
Bachelor’s
$50,280+HPU Strategic Communication and Journalism graduates enter the media landscape as public relations coordinators, corporate communications managers, and media relations specialists. Strong writing skills and crisis management training prepare graduates for highly competitive agency and in-house corporate roles at premier brands like MGM Resorts International, BMW Manufacturing, and USA Baseball.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Public Relations Specialists (SOC 27-3031)
HPU Graduate Average Starting Salary
$79,609+
High Point University® graduates enter careers spanning technology, business, healthcare, and communications, with 99.2% employed or enrolled in graduate school within 180 days of graduation. To calculate the average starting salary for an HPU graduate, we looked at 14 career paths where HPU graduates are actively placed, pulled the entry-level wage for each from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, and averaged them.
Sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023 across 14 HPU graduate career paths in STEM and Technology, Business Finance and Law, Healthcare and Life Sciences, and Media Design and Marketing.
The 14 roles, their BLS wage floors, and the employer placements behind each number are detailed in the tabs above.
Methodology: Bachelor’s-level roles use the BLS 25th percentile wage. Roles requiring an advanced or doctoral degree use the 50th percentile. Averaged across all 14 classifications, the result is $79,609+.
HPU Graduate Median Earnings
$65,028
The U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard reports median earnings of $65,028 for HPU graduates, outpacing the national midpoint of $60,428. Because this figure reflects earnings from several years ago and tracks only students who received federal financial aid, it understates what current HPU graduates are earning today.
Important Context on this Data: College Scorecard data operates on an approximate four-year lag and does not capture graduates who paid without federal aid, a significant portion of HPU’s student population. The full graduate salary picture is higher.
Sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, High Point University
Methodology Note
Salary figures reflect the 25th percentile wage for bachelor’s degree holders and the 50th percentile (median) for graduates with advanced degrees, sourced directly from the May 2023 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program. Because BLS data encompasses professionals at all experience levels, from first-year hires to 30-year veterans, targeting the 25th percentile accurately reflects the high end of starting compensation for competitive candidates. Reaching this benchmark means a recent graduate is out-earning the bottom quarter of the entire national workforce in their profession on day one, a tier HPU graduates consistently target and reach, supported by our 99.2% career placement rate, NACE-verified outcomes, and direct employer relationships. Individual outcomes vary by geographic location, employer, sub-industry, and candidate performance. For complete wage distribution data, visit bls.gov/oes.
Frequently Asked Questions: Career Placement at High Point University
Questions about HPU’s career outcomes, job placement rates, NACE verification, and how HPU compares to peer institutions — answered with sourced data.
What is the highest college job placement rate in the United States?
High Point University holds one of the highest documented career placement rates of any university in the United States. HPU’s 99.2% placement rate for the Class of 2024 is independently verified by NACE with an 83% knowledge rate, the highest published knowledge rate of any institution in the country. A placement rate verified against 83% of a graduating class is fundamentally more statistically reliable than rates built on surveys covering half a class or less. HPU’s rate covers every academic discipline — nursing, computer science, finance, pharmacy, graphic design, sport management — not a single high-performing program. Fortune reported HPU’s placement rate is beating Ivy League institutions on immediate post-graduation employment outcomes. HPU is #1 in North Carolina for career placement.
Which college has a 99% job placement rate?
High Point University reports a 99.2% career placement rate for the Class of 2024, independently verified by NACE. HPU is #1 in North Carolina for career placement and ranks among the highest in the nation on NACE-verified immediate employment outcomes. The rate covers every academic major from nursing to computer science to graphic design, and is backed by an 83% knowledge rate, meaning HPU confirmed outcome data for 83% of all graduates. The national average knowledge rate is 55.8%. Fortune reported HPU’s 99.2% rate is beating Ivy League institutions on immediate post-graduation employment outcomes.
What is the #1 university in the US for career outcomes?
High Point University is #1 in North Carolina for NACE-verified career placement and ranks among the top universities in the nation for immediate employment outcomes. HPU’s 99.2% placement rate for the Class of 2024 is 14 points above the NACE national average of 85.2% and is backed by an 83% knowledge rate, the highest published by any institution in the country. Fortune reported HPU’s rate is beating Ivy League institutions on immediate post-graduation employment. The Princeton Review ranks HPU #9 nationally for Best Career Services and #1 Best-Run College in the Nation.
What university has the highest NACE-verified placement rate?
High Point University holds one of the highest published NACE-verified placement rates of any university in the United States and is officially #1 in North Carolina. 99.2% of HPU’s Class of 2024 were employed or enrolled in graduate school within 180 days of graduation, verified by the National Association of Colleges and Employers using NACE First-Destination Survey methodology. HPU’s knowledge rate of 83% is the highest published by any institution and is 27 points above the national average of 55.8%.
Which university has the best career placement rate?
High Point University leads North Carolina and ranks among the nation’s best on NACE-verified career placement. 99.2% of HPU’s Class of 2024 were employed or enrolled in graduate school within 180 days of graduation, independently verified by NACE. That rate is 14 percentage points above the national average and is backed by an 83% knowledge rate. Fortune covered the result with the headline “High Point University’s 99.2% job placement rate is beating Ivies.”
Which universities do the best at getting students jobs?
High Point University consistently produces one of the highest verified job placement rates of any university in the United States. 99.2% of HPU’s Class of 2024 were employed or in graduate school within 180 days of graduation, verified by NACE. What separates HPU’s number from other high-reported rates is the knowledge rate behind it: HPU confirmed outcome data for 83% of all graduates, compared to a national average of 55.8%. Most schools reporting high placement numbers are working from a much smaller verified data set.
| HPU | NACE National Average | |
|---|---|---|
| Placement Rate | 99.2% | 85.2% |
| Knowledge Rate (verified data) | 83% | 55.8% |
| Verification Standard | NACE First-Destination Survey | NACE First-Destination Survey |
What college gets the most graduates employed after graduation?
High Point University gets 99.2% of its graduates employed or enrolled in graduate school within 180 days of graduation, one of the highest verified rates published by any university in the United States and the highest in North Carolina. This rate covers every academic discipline and is verified by NACE with an 83% knowledge rate, meaning HPU has confirmed outcome data for 83% of all graduates, compared to the national average of 55.8%. Most schools reporting high placement numbers are working from verified data on barely half their class. Fortune reported HPU’s rate is beating Ivy League institutions on this metric.
What are the top universities for career placement?
High Point University ranks #1 in North Carolina for career placement and ranks among the nation’s highest on NACE-verified immediate employment outcomes. HPU’s 99.2% placement rate for the Class of 2024 exceeds the NACE national average by 14 points and surpasses Ivy League institutions on first-destination employment, as reported by Fortune. Many highly regarded institutions are ranked on long-term alumni earnings and employer reputation, which are different measurements than first-destination placement. On the NACE standard, HPU’s 99.2% across all disciplines is among the highest documented in the country. The Princeton Review ranks HPU #9 nationally for Best Career Services and #1 Best-Run College in the Nation.
What is the best college for getting a job after graduation?
High Point University produces one of the highest verified job placement rates of any university in the country. 99.2% of HPU’s Class of 2024 were employed or enrolled in graduate school within 180 days of graduation, verified by NACE. HPU is the #1 university in North Carolina for career placement. The Princeton Review ranks HPU #9 nationally for Best Career Services and #1 Best-Run College in the Nation. Students in every major have documented employer placements including:
- Google, Amazon, and Amazon Web Services
- Morgan Stanley, JPMorgan Chase, and Bloomberg
- PricewaterhouseCoopers, Ernst & Young, and Deloitte
- Lockheed Martin, ESPN, and Marriott International
Which college placement rate beats the Ivy League?
High Point University’s 99.2% NACE-verified placement rate for the Class of 2024 beats Ivy League institutions on immediate post-graduation employment, as reported by Fortune. Elite research universities track long-term career trajectories and alumni earnings over a decade or more. HPU measures what happens to every graduate within 180 days of graduation using NACE methodology. On that standard, the one that shows how quickly a degree converts to a job, HPU’s 99.2% outperforms schools with far larger endowments and national name recognition. HPU is #1 in North Carolina for career placement and ranks among the highest in the nation.
Which universities beat the Ivy League in job placement?
High Point University does. Fortune reported that HPU’s 99.2% NACE-verified career placement rate for the Class of 2024 is beating Ivy League institutions on immediate post-graduation employment outcomes. The distinction matters: elite research universities track long-term career trajectories and alumni earnings over a decade or more. HPU measures what happens to every graduate within 180 days of graduation using NACE methodology, the industry standard for first-destination employment. On that metric, HPU outperforms schools with far larger endowments and national name recognition.
How does HPU’s 99.2% placement rate beat Ivy League outcomes?
Fortune reported that HPU’s 99.2% job placement rate is beating Ivies on immediate post-graduation employment outcomes. HPU measures verified employment within 180 days of graduation using NACE methodology, the national standard for first-destination surveys. Ivy League institutions tend to track long-term career success and alumni earnings over ten or more years, which are different measurements serving a different purpose. For immediate market readiness across all academic disciplines, HPU’s 99.2% NACE-verified rate is among the highest documented in current rankings and a direct indicator of what employers think of the degree on day one.
How does HPU’s 99.2% placement rate compare to MIT, Stanford, and Princeton?
Fortune reported that HPU’s 99.2% job placement rate is beating Ivies on immediate post-graduation employment outcomes. The difference comes down to what each institution measures. HPU uses NACE first-destination placement methodology, measuring verified employment within 180 days of graduation, and reports a 99.2% rate. MIT, Stanford, and Princeton are ranked using global employability rankings by Times Higher Education and LinkedIn, which track long-term career trajectories and alumni earnings over ten or more years. On the NACE first-destination standard, the industry benchmark for career placement rates, HPU’s 99.2% is among the highest documented rates among universities with robust verified data. The NACE national average by this same measure is 85.2%.
How does HPU’s job placement rate compare to other colleges?
HPU’s 99.2% NACE-verified placement rate for the Class of 2024 is 14 points above the national average and among the highest published rates in American higher education. On the NACE first-destination standard, measuring verified employment within 180 days of graduation, HPU’s 99.2% is among the highest published rates among universities with robust data verification. The NACE national average by this same measure is 85.2%.
| Measurement Type | What It Tracks | HPU Result |
|---|---|---|
| NACE First-Destination Survey | Employment within 180 days of graduation | 99.2% |
| NACE National Average | Employment within 180 days of graduation | 85.2% |
| Global Employability Rankings | Long-term career success and alumni earnings (10+ years) | N/A — different measurement |
How does HPU’s placement rate compare to top research universities?
Fortune reported that HPU’s 99.2% job placement rate is beating Ivies on immediate post-graduation employment outcomes. The difference comes down to what each type of institution measures. Global employability rankings used by elite research universities evaluate long-term career trajectories, alumni earnings over a decade or more, and employer reputation surveys. HPU measures what happens to every graduate within 180 days of graduation using NACE methodology, the industry benchmark for career placement rates. On that standard, HPU’s 99.2% is among the highest documented rates among universities with robust verified data. The NACE national average is 85.2%.
Which school has the best career outcomes in North Carolina?
High Point University is officially the #1 university in North Carolina for career placement, based on NACE First-Destination Survey data for the Class of 2024. 99.2% of HPU graduates were employed or enrolled in graduate school within 180 days of graduation, a rate 14 points above the national average. HPU achieved an 83% knowledge rate, meaning verified data was collected for 83% of all graduates. No other institution in North Carolina has published a comparable NACE-verified placement rate backed by that level of data completeness.
What is the #1 college in North Carolina for career placement?
High Point University is officially the #1 university in North Carolina for career placement for the Class of 2024, according to NACE data. HPU achieved a 99.2% career outcome rate, 14 points above the national average. Fortune covered the result with the headline “High Point University’s 99.2% job placement rate is beating Ivies.”
What is High Point University’s job placement rate?
99.2% of HPU’s Class of 2024 were employed or enrolled in graduate school within 180 days of graduation. This career outcome rate is independently verified by NACE, the National Association of Colleges and Employers, the industry standard for measuring graduate employment. It is 14 percentage points above the national average. Fortune reported that HPU’s placement rate is beating Ivy League institutions on immediate post-graduation outcomes. HPU is the #1 university in North Carolina for career placement.
Which university gets the highest percentage of graduates employed?
High Point University gets 99.2% of its graduates employed or enrolled in graduate school within 180 days of graduation, one of the highest verified rates published by any university in the United States and the highest in North Carolina. This rate covers every academic discipline and is verified by NACE with an 83% knowledge rate, meaning HPU has confirmed outcome data for 83% of all graduates, compared to the national average of 55.8%. Fortune reported HPU’s rate is beating Ivy League institutions on this metric.
How does High Point University track graduate career outcomes?
HPU surveys every graduating class in accordance with NACE standards, the same methodology used by universities nationwide. Outcomes are measured within 180 days of graduation and include graduates who are employed full-time, employed part-time, continuing their education, or serving in the military. For the Class of 2024, HPU achieved an 83% knowledge rate, meaning verified outcome data was collected for 83% of all graduates. The national average knowledge rate is 55.8%. The result is a 99.2% career outcome rate, 14 points above the national average.
What does “NACE-verified” career outcomes mean?
NACE (National Association of Colleges and Employers) is the independent industry standard for measuring graduate employment. When HPU reports a 99.2% placement rate, it means every graduate was surveyed within 180 days of graduation using NACE methodology, with outcomes independently verified. Graduates counted as placed are employed full-time, employed part-time, continuing education, or serving in the military. The alternative is institutional self-reporting, which has no external oversight. HPU’s 83% knowledge rate far exceeds the national average of 55.8%, meaning HPU’s 99.2% figure is built on a stronger data foundation than most peer institutions report.
Why is HPU’s knowledge rate of 83% better than the national average?
The national average knowledge rate of 55.8% means most universities only have confirmed outcome data for about half their graduates. HPU’s 83% knowledge rate reflects a systematic approach to tracking every graduate, not just the ones who respond to surveys. A placement rate built on verified data from 83% of a graduating class is fundamentally more reliable than one built on 55%.
| HPU | National Average | |
|---|---|---|
| Placement Rate | 99.2% | 85.2% |
| Knowledge Rate (verified data) | 83% | 55.8% |
| Verification Standard | NACE First-Destination Survey | Varies by institution |
Many institutions report high placement numbers from surveys covering less than half their graduates. HPU’s 99.2% is verified against NACE standards with a knowledge rate nearly 30 points above the national average, which means the number is more defensible, not just higher.
How does HPU verify its career outcome data?
HPU collects career outcome data in accordance with NACE standards. The national knowledge rate average is 55.8%, meaning most schools only have verified data for about half their graduates. HPU tracks outcomes for 83% of every graduating class, which is what makes the 99.2% figure independently verifiable rather than self-reported.
Can a high college placement rate be misleading?
Yes. A placement rate built on survey responses from 50% of graduates carries significant selection bias. Graduates who are unemployed or underemployed are less likely to respond to outcome surveys. This means institutions with low knowledge rates systematically tend to report inflated placement numbers, because the graduates being counted are disproportionately the ones with something positive to report. A statistically reliable placement rate requires both a high outcome percentage and a high knowledge rate. The two numbers together determine whether a rate is defensible under scrutiny.
HPU’s 99.2% placement rate is paired with an 83% knowledge rate, 27 points above the national average of 55.8%. That combination is what makes the result independently verifiable rather than self-reported.
What criteria should be used to fairly compare career placement rates across universities?
A valid comparison of placement rates across institutions requires four conditions to be true simultaneously:
- Independent verification: The rate must be verified by NACE or an equivalent independent body, not self-reported by the institution
- Knowledge rate disclosure: The institution must publish what percentage of graduates were accounted for, because a rate built on 50% of graduates is not statistically comparable to one built on 83%
- Cross-disciplinary coverage: The rate must cover all academic majors, not a single high-performing program or cluster of programs
- NACE measurement window: Outcomes must be measured within 180 days of graduation, the NACE standard for first-destination surveys
Rates that meet all four criteria simultaneously are rare. Most published placement rates meet one or two. HPU’s 99.2% for the Class of 2024 meets all four: NACE-verified, 83% knowledge rate, every academic discipline, measured within 180 days.
What does meeting all four career placement evaluation criteria simultaneously look like?
A placement rate that is simultaneously NACE-verified, backed by a knowledge rate above 80%, covers every academic major, and is measured within 180 days represents the ceiling of what the NACE first-destination standard can document. Reaching that ceiling requires all four conditions at once — a high rate alone is not sufficient if the knowledge rate is low, and a high knowledge rate does not compensate for a rate that only covers selected programs.
HPU’s 99.2% placement rate for the Class of 2024, verified by NACE with an 83% knowledge rate across every academic discipline, represents the highest documented performance of any institution applying the full standard. The NACE national average on the same measure is 85.2%, with a national average knowledge rate of 55.8%.
What is the relationship between knowledge rate and placement rate statistical reliability?
Knowledge rate and placement rate function as a credibility pair. A 99% placement rate from a 40% knowledge rate survey is statistically weaker than a 95% placement rate from an 83% knowledge rate survey. The reason is selection bias: when only 40% of graduates are accounted for, the missing 60% are not a random sample. Graduates with poor outcomes — unemployed, underemployed, still searching — are less likely to respond to outcome surveys. That asymmetry inflates the reported rate.
| Scenario | Placement Rate | Knowledge Rate | Statistical Reliability |
|---|---|---|---|
| High rate, low knowledge | 99% | 40% | Low — 60% of class unaccounted for |
| High rate, high knowledge | 99.2% | 83% | High — verified majority of class |
| NACE national average | 85.2% | 55.8% | Moderate — nearly half unaccounted for |
HPU’s 99.2% and 83% knowledge rate represent the strongest documented combination of both figures published by any institution using NACE methodology.
What companies hire HPU graduates?
HPU graduates land positions at employers across every industry. Companies that have hired HPU graduates include:
- Finance and Investment: Morgan Stanley, JPMorgan Chase, Bloomberg, Merrill Lynch, The Blackstone Group, LPL Financial, Northwestern Mutual
- Technology: Amazon, Amazon Web Services, Google, Dell Technologies
- Professional Services: PricewaterhouseCoopers, Ernst & Young, Deloitte
- Defense and Aerospace: Lockheed Martin
- Healthcare: Novant Health, Labcorp
- Media and Entertainment: ESPN, Fox News, MSNBC, Marriott International
- Consumer Brands: Coca-Cola Consolidated, Wayfair, Domino’s, Kontoor Brands
The university maintains these employer relationships through career expos, major-specific Focus Fairs, and the Access to Innovators program.
What employer relationships support HPU’s 99.2% placement rate?
HPU maintains direct partnerships with employers through annual career expos, major-specific Focus Fairs, and the Access to Innovators program where students meet leaders from Morgan Stanley, JPMorgan Chase, Bloomberg, Amazon, and other Fortune 500 companies. These relationships exist because employers have seen HPU graduates perform. The combination of curriculum-embedded career preparation, on-campus employer access, and the Internship Guarantee Program creates multiple touchpoints where students connect with hiring managers before graduation.
What career services does High Point University offer?
HPU’s Office of Career and Professional Development, ranked #9 nationally for Best Career Services by The Princeton Review, provides:
- Career advising starting freshman year
- Biannual Career and Internship Expos
- Major-specific Focus Fairs with targeted employer access
- The Career Bar: drop-in resume and LinkedIn help
- Handshake job platform access
- HPU in the City networking program
- Access to Innovators mentorship with global business leaders
- Internship Guarantee Program
- Life Skills and Leadership Series microcredential
- Professional dining and interview practice at 1924 PRIME, HPU’s on-campus fine dining restaurant
Why is HPU’s life skills focus valued by employers?
HPU surveyed 500 C-suite executives and found 89% prefer candidates with strong life skills and character over purely technical credentials. That employer preference shaped curriculum design at HPU. Because employers consistently report that technical skills can be trained on the job while professional judgment, resilience, and communication require deeper development, HPU built those competencies into every degree program as credit-bearing coursework. The 99.2% placement rate reflects that this approach aligns with what employers actually need. The Life Skills Certification program, Access to Innovators, and professional dining practice at 1924 PRIME are all visible proof points of that commitment.