Muncie Reporter

Ball State University Graduates Supporting Indiana Economy at All-Time-High Rate

Ball State University graduates are entering the workforce, continuing their education, or choosing to live in Indiana at an all-time-high rate, recent data shows.

Affirming the value of a Ball State University education, the First Destination Report compiled by Ball State’s Career Center shows a 94 percent placement rate of the university’s Spring 2022 graduates. Of the students who reported employment, 78% work in Indiana, providing vital support for the state’s economy and adding robust skills to the state’s workforce.

“Ball State’s alumni are making their mark in Indiana and excelling in high-wage, high-demand careers available across the state,” Governor Eric J. Holcomb said. “The education, tools and resources available at Ball State are creating an epicenter of opportunity for current and future grads and fulfilling our need for a quality workforce for our growing economy.”“Indiana is securing unprecedented levels of economic success, and in order to support our economy of the future, we have to build a workforce of the future,” said Tony Denhart, Indiana Economic Development Corporation EVP of Workforce and Talent. “We couldn’t be more grateful for our partners at Ball State University and for the top-quality talent they continue to cultivate. This latest data is proof of Indiana’s pro-business environment, strong communities and quality of life.”

While the results of the report are strong, they’re also improving year over year.

The number of Ball State graduates who gained employment in Indiana this year versus last year rose 10 percent. And the overall rate of Indiana employment among undergrad graduates was the highest for the university since Ball State began collecting data in 2015.

“These figures are a tangible result of the important work our university is doing across the State of Indiana to create a talent pipeline for our students and employers,” Ball State President Geoffrey S. Mearns said. “This work connects our campus resources—our faculty, staff, and students—with the businesses and communities that are helping to elevate our state’s economy to greater prosperity for all of the citizens here in our great state.”

Ball State has a long track record of engaging industry partners statewide to bolster its students’ educational experience while better serving the state. The Career Center’s services and programs focus on its mission to connect partners to help students integrate their education, self-awareness, and experiences to empower a lifetime of career achievement and personal satisfaction.

Meanwhile, the university’s new Office of Industry Engagement engages Indiana employers and regions to help the state flourish. Ball State faculty, staff, and students work with employers of all sizes throughout the state to help develop talent pipelines through campus engagement, promote economic regions to students, and equip current employees through education and training.

“Indiana has a robust economy, full of major, nationally recognized employers of all sizes that demand a pipeline of workers with the right skills and credentials,” said Indiana Commissioner for Higher Education Chris Lowery. “This requires collaboration and engagement between our state’s higher education institutions and businesses. It’s encouraging to see Ball State University’s efforts pay off with so many graduates remaining in Indiana. These graduates directly contribute to the state’s economy and fill critical roles in business.”

The latest post-graduation survey results at Ball State reflect a decade-long, ongoing, intentional ecosystem of career development and connection for students. These continuing efforts provide a transformative experience and tangible results for students and their families, empowering them to climb the socioeconomic ladder through the power of higher education.

“Indiana Destination Development Corporation is pleased to collaborate with Ball State University to share with its graduates the opportunities to stay in Indiana and discover what a wonderful place it is to live, work, play, and raise a family,” said Elaine E. Bedel, secretary and chief executive officer at the Indiana Destination Development Corporation. “We want all the talented Cardinals to call Indiana home!”

In compiling the First Destination Report, the Career Center at Ball State follows the National Association of Colleges and Employers’ national standards.

Original source can be found here.