Student Surveys
We aggressively track the career paths of our graduates. The following Luther College student survey results provide a detailed overview of the varied career paths Luther alumni take immediately following graduation.
What do Luther’s graduates report about their initial post-graduate experiences?
From surveys conducted annually over the past 25 years, we have found that 95% of Luther graduates are employed, in grad school, or doing service work within 8 months of graduation. In our class of 2019 survey, 89% of those who were employed held a position directly related to their career goals within 8 months of graduation.
Recent Graduate Reports
What do seniors say about their Luther educational experience?
Luther College seniors were much more likely than seniors at either of the two comparison groups shown below to study abroad and complete a culminating senior experience (senior project or thesis).
Senior Student Participation in High-Impact Practices
“Which of the following have you done (during your time at) this institution?”
| College Activity | Luther College | Regional Privates* | Regional Publics** |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engage in a practicum, internship, or field experience | 72% | 74% | 65% |
| Conduct collaborative research with faculty | 48% | 39% | 34% |
| Study abroad | 72% | 39% | 25% |
| Participate in a learning community | 30% | 33% | 29% |
| Culminating senior experience | 94% | 74% | 46% |
How Senior Students Evaluate Contributions of College
“How much has your experience at this institution contributed to your knowledge, skill, and personal development in the following areas?”
| Area of growth | Luther College | Regional Privates* | Regional Publics** |
|---|---|---|---|
| Work-related skills | 2.9 | 3.1 | 3.0 |
| Critical thinking | 3.5 | 3.5 | 3.4 |
| Effective writing | 3.3 | 3.3 | 2.9 |
| Effective speaking | 3.1 | 3.2 | 2.8 |
| Quantitative analysis | 2.8 | 2.8 | 3.0 |
| Developing ethics/values | 3.0 | 3.1 | 2.7 |
| Working with others | 3.2 | 3.2 | 3.1 |
4 = Very much, 3 = Quite a bit, 2 = Some, 1 = Very little.
* Regional Privates: Augsburg College, Augustana University (S.D), Buena Vista University, Central College, College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University, Concordia College at Moorhead, Drake University, Loras College, and Wartburg College.
** Regional Publics: Iowa State University, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, University of Northern Iowa, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, and University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Source: 2017 National Survey of Student Engagement