Find a Job You Really Want In
As we look ahead to 2026, the importance of alumni employment rates continues to be a significant factor for incoming students selecting their colleges. A recent trend shows that a growing number of freshmen prioritize strong job placement records when choosing a school, reflecting a shift towards career-oriented education.
While not all institutions provide equal opportunities for job placement, many students are increasingly opting for smaller colleges that offer more personalized support and resources. These smaller institutions often feature lower student-to-faculty ratios and more accessible mentorship, which can lead to better job readiness upon graduation.
Our analysis reveals that six of the top ten colleges for job placements are small schools, defined as having enrollments between 1,000 and 2,000 students. To highlight these exceptional institutions, we at Zippia have compiled a list of the best small colleges by state, based on their job placement ratings.
Below is the list of the top fifty small colleges for job placements, but first, here are the standout institutions:
- Virginia Military Institute — Virginia
- Saint John’s University — Minnesota
- Hastings College — Nebraska
- Wartburg College — Iowa
- Rhodes College — Tennessee
- Susquehanna University — Pennsylvania
- Viterbo University — Wisconsin
- Southwestern University — Texas
- Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology — Indiana
- Transylvania University — Kentucky
How We Determined This List
We utilized the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) to identify colleges in each state with enrollments between 1,000 and 2,000 students that have the highest job placement ratings, specifically focusing on employment outcomes ten years post-graduation.
We ranked each institution based on their placement ratings, which were rounded to one decimal place for clarity, and included the city where each college is located.
Now, let’s dive into the details.
1. Virginia
College: Virginia Military Institute
City: Lexington
Placement Rate: 96.6 percent
VMI’s demanding academic programs and rigorous training contribute to high employability rates among graduates, appealing to a range of employers.
2. Minnesota
College: Saint John’s University
City: Collegeville
Placement Rate: 96.4 percent
Saint John’s University consistently ranks high for its commitment to student development and post-graduate success.
3. Nebraska
College: Hastings College
City: Hastings
Placement Rate: 96.1 percent
Recognized as an affordable institution, Hastings College has garnered accolades for its value and strong job placement record.
4. Iowa
College: Wartburg College
City: Waverly
Placement Rate: 96 percent
Wartburg College’s unique offerings, including a music therapy major, enhance its appeal and job placement rates.
5. Tennessee
College: Rhodes College
City: Memphis
Placement Rate: 95.8 percent
Rhodes College is renowned for its distinguished mock trial program, contributing to its impressive graduate outcomes.
6. Pennsylvania
College: Susquehanna University
City: Selinsgrove
Placement Rate: 95.5 percent
Susquehanna’s reputation as a top liberal arts college is bolstered by its strong job placement statistics.
7. Wisconsin
College: Viterbo University
City: La Crosse
Placement Rate: 94.7 percent
Viterbo University has a long-standing history and is well-regarded for its nursing program, leading to successful career placements.
8. Texas
College: Southwestern University
City: Georgetown
Placement Rate: 94.6 percent
With a balanced gender ratio in its student body, Southwestern University provides a supportive environment for career development.
9. Indiana
College: Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
City: Terre Haute
Placement Rate: 94.5 percent
Known for its STEM-focused curriculum, Rose-Hulman boasts a high median starting salary of $60,700 for graduates.
10. Kentucky
College: Transylvania University
City: Lexington
Placement Rate: 94.2 percent
Despite its name, Transylvania University has a rich history and remains dedicated to providing quality education and successful job placements.
Understanding Job Placement Ratings
While no college can guarantee employment, many institutions rely heavily on alumni job placement rates to attract prospective students. However, it’s crucial for students to critically evaluate these statistics, as not all schools report their placement rates honestly.
As noted by various education experts, some universities might misrepresent their employment data, making it essential for students to seek out trustworthy sources. Organizations like the Institute of Education Sciences (IES) strive to provide unbiased and accurate educational data, ensuring transparency in reported job placement rates.
| College | State | Employed At 10 Years | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia Military Institute | VA | 96.59% | 1 |
| Saint Johns University | MN | 96.40% | 2 |
| Hastings College | NE | 96.06% | 3 |
| Wartburg College | IA | 95.99% | 4 |
| Rhodes College | TN | 95.77% | 5 |
| Susquehanna University | PA | 95.45% | 6 |
| Viterbo University | WI | 94.66% | 7 |
| Southwestern University | TX | 94.57% | 8 |
| Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology | IN | 94.50% | 9 |
| Transylvania University | KY | 94.17% | 10 |
| Dakota State University | SD | 94.14% | 11 |
| Saint Anselm College | NH | 94.13% | 12 |
| Citadel Military College of South Carolina | SC | 94.06% | 13 |
| MCPHS University | MA | 93.96% | 14 |
| Muskingum University | OH | 93.95% | 15 |
| Hamilton College | NY | 93.86% | 16 |
| Goucher College | MD | 93.80% | 17 |
| Bates College | ME | 93.75% | 18 |
| Spelman College | GA | 93.67% | 19 |
| University of Jamestown | ND | 93.21% | 20 |
| Alma College | MI | 93.20% | 21 |
| Lake Forest College | IL | 92.82% | 22 |
| University of Connecticut-Tri-Campus | CT | 92.53% | 23 |
| Stevens Institute of Technology | NJ | 92.44% | 24 |
| Linfield College-McMinnville Campus | OR | 92.33% | 25 |
| Birmingham Southern College | AL | 92.17% | 26 |
| Wheeling Jesuit University | WV | 91.93% | 27 |
| Carroll College | MT | 91.70% | 28 |
| Wesley College | DE | 91.63% | 29 |
| Salve Regina University | RI | 91.59% | 30 |
| Wingate University | NC | 91.55% | 31 |
| California Lutheran University | CA | 91.30% | 32 |
| Fontbonne University | MO | 91.21% | 33 |
| Hendrix College | AR | 90.88% | 34 |
| Castleton State College | VT | 90.82% | 35 |
| Oklahoma City University | OK | 90.53% | 36 |
| Newman University | KS | 90.48% | 37 |
| Dillard University | LA | 90.46% | 38 |
| Colorado College | CO | 89.95% | 39 |
| Millsaps College | MS | 89.74% | 40 |
| Warner University | FL | 89.00% | 41 |
| University of Washington-Bothell Campus | WA | 88.92% | 42 |
| Northwest Nazarene University | ID | 88.29% | 43 |
| New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology | NM | 85.92% | 44 |
| Westminster College | UT | 85.54% | 45 |
| – | AK | – | 46 |
| – | AZ | – | 47 |
| – | HI | – | 48 |
| – | NV | – | 49 |
| – | WY | – | 50 |
In summary, while small colleges may not have the same visibility as larger institutions, their commitment to student success and job placement is evident. Consider these schools as viable options for your educational journey as you prepare for the workforce of the future.
Author
David Luther was the Content Marketing Editor for the Zippia Advice blog. He developed partnerships with external reporting agencies in addition to generating original research and reporting for the Zippia Career Advice blog. David obtained his BA from UNC Chapel Hill.
