95% of NDSU graduates achieve career success after graduation, with most staying in North Dakota

NDSU graduates continue to find strong career success after earning their degrees, with 95% of the class of 2025 employed or continuing their education within six months of graduation.

The results of the recently released career outcomes report highlight the value of an NDSU degree and the university's role in preparing graduates for careers that strengthen North Dakota's workforce and economy.

NDSU graduates continue to play an important role in meeting workforce needs across the region. Among graduates from North Dakota, 86% remained in the state after graduation, while nearly half of Minnesota graduates also chose to begin their careers in North Dakota. Many are working in high-demand fields such as healthcare, education, engineering and agriculture.

“NDSU continues to contribute to workforce needs across North Dakota, with about 1,000 graduates choosing to build their careers here after graduation,” said Becky Bahe, director of the NDSU Career and Advising Center. “Many are working in fields that are vital to our state's future, which reflects NDSU's commitment as a land-grant university to serving North Dakota and creating opportunities for our students and communities.”

NDSU graduates joined a wide range of employers, including Sanford Health, Essentia Health, Mayo Clinic, John Deere, Bobcat Company, Mortenson, Bell Bank, Target and regional school districts.

Strong career outcomes are supported by a wide range of student services offered through NDSU's Career and Advising Center. During the past year, students participated in more than 16,600 career and advising engagements, including 8,742 advising appointments, 1,786 career coaching interactions, employer networking events and career fairs that connected students with hundreds of organizations seeking NDSU talent.

"These outcomes reflect the talent, determination and preparation of our students," said NDSU President Marshall Stewart. "They also highlight the strong partnerships NDSU maintains with employers and industries that help students gain real-world experience and transition successfully into careers that strengthen North Dakota.”

The career outcomes report includes 2,248 students who earned degrees in August 2024, December 2024 and May 2025. Ninety percent of graduates responded to the survey, providing one of the most comprehensive pictures of post-graduation outcomes in recent years. The report found that 75% of graduates were employed and 20% were continuing their education, resulting in a 95% success rate.