A new meta-analysis shows that the Kalamazoo College liberal arts learning experience develops students who are better able than most of their peers to secure the post-graduation outcomes they seek.

Last week at its national conference, the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) released the first-ever national compilation of first-destination surveys. Across categories such as instructional profile, public vs. private, location type, region, and enrollment numbers, Kalamazoo College graduates did comparatively well securing their next steps.

NACE defines a first destination “Career Outcome” as employment, continuing education, or working in a volunteer or service program. The national average of Career Outcomes among liberal arts undergraduate institutions was 85.1 percent of the total class. Comparatively, 87 percent of Kalamazoo College’s Class of 2014 met Career Outcomes. K’s first-destination survey is administered by the College’s Center for Career and Professional Development (CCPD).

And fewer members of Kalamazoo College’s class of 2014 were still seeking employment six months after graduating. K’s rate of 6.6 percent of such students was lower than both the national rates of 7.7 percent for private institutions and 9.7 percent for liberal arts institutions.

By December 2014, 91 percent of K’s 2014 graduates who sought employment had secured jobs (up from 85 percent in 2013). Twenty-three percent were already in graduate school (up from 19 percent in 2013).

Check out the Kalamazoo College Class of 2014 First Destination Survey Results (http://bit.ly/K2014FDSSummary). And feel free to review specific first destination information by major (http://bit.ly/KFDSByMajor) from class years 2010-2014.

The College is currently conducting the First Destination Survey for the Class of 2015 and will publish results in January 2016. CCPD is open year-round and its free services for alumni never expire.

Text by Rachel Wood, Kalamazoo College Center for Career and Professional Development