The University of Saint Francis has announced the results of an effort to gather and measure data regarding the career and education outcomes for USF students who have recently graduated. USF’s First Destination initiative is designed to collect and analyze student success after graduation based on this data.

Of the 2016 USF graduating class, 96.2 percent are either currently employed, enlisted in the military or another form of service, or enrolled in additional education.

“This initiative is incredibly important for the University of Saint Francis,” said USF President Sister M. Elise Kriss. “To ensure we are setting our students up for success, it is crucial to track what our graduates are doing after they leave the university. These positive results show we are giving our students the best chance to excel after graduation.”

Northeast Indiana economic development organizations have established Road to One Million, a key talent attraction and retention initiative. The initiative’s goal is to grow the region’s population to one million by developing the quality of life assets needed to attract top talent and expand our business landscape. The university’s First Destination data shows that 80.7 percent of USF graduates are working in the state of Indiana and 66.2 percent are working in the 11 counties that make up northeast Indiana.

“The University of Saint Francis is committed to filling the regional talent demand of northeast Indiana by helping students create professional networks as they continue their studies,” said Career Outreach Director Natalie Wagoner. “Our successful efforts in helping students become employed upon graduation results in more talent in the region, increasing the economic vibrancy of the area.”