Find a Job You Really Want In
The college with the highest employment rate in the U.S. is Quinnipiac University in Connecticut, at 96.10%.
The state college with the lowest employment rate is University of Alaska Anchorage, in Alaska, at 83.35%.
Graduates with a college degree are almost 25% more likely to secure employment (86% average employment rate compared to 69% for high school graduates).
Only 6 out of 10 Americans believe that college is worth the time and investment.
As we enter 2026, the landscape of higher education and job placement continues to evolve. While college remains a significant investment for many students, the focus has shifted towards career readiness and employability.
Students now attend college with the expectation of not only gaining knowledge but also enhancing their employability through practical experiences. The reality is that not all institutions provide equal support when it comes to job placement success.
Some colleges excel in fostering their students’ careers post-graduation through robust career services, academic offerings, established reputations, and extensive networking opportunities. To shine a light on these outstanding institutions, we at Zippia have compiled our annual ranking of the best colleges in each state for securing employment.
The Best Colleges for Getting a Job
- Quinnipiac University – Connecticut
- Augustana University – South Dakota
- Ohio Northern University – Ohio
- Stonehill College – Massachusetts
- Lebanon Valley College – Pennsylvania
- Marquette University – Wisconsin
- Illinois Wesleyan University – Illinois
- Providence College – Rhode Island
- Saint Anselm College – New Hampshire
- Saint Johns University – Minnesota
The colleges listed above have demonstrated exceptional commitment to preparing students for the workforce. This pattern of success is reflected in their impressive job placement rates. Continue reading to discover what distinguishes these institutions from others.
How We Determined This Data
Utilizing Department of Education College Scorecard data, we identified the college in each state with the highest job placement rates ten years post-graduation.
We ranked colleges nationwide based on employment statistics, excluding those without available data. Our focus was on institutions offering predominantly four-year degrees while highlighting the best options for obtaining a bachelor’s degree.
We selected the college with the highest employment rate in each state, rounding figures to two decimal points for clarity.
1. Quinnipiac University
State: Connecticut
City: Hamden
Placement Rate: 96.10%
For the third consecutive year, Quinnipiac University secures its position as the top college for employment outcomes, boasting a remarkable job placement rate of 96.1%. With such favorable odds, students are well-supported on their journey to career success. The school’s motto? Bobcat Strong. And with those statistics, we wholeheartedly agree.
2. Augustana University
State: South Dakota
City: Sioux Falls
Placement Rate: 96.05%
Augustana University ranks second, with a job placement rate of 96.05%. This institution is a fantastic alternative if you’re considering options beyond Quinnipiac. The nearly identical placement rates signify both schools are exceptional choices.
3. Ohio Northern University
State: Ohio
City: Ada
Placement Rate: 95.86%
Ohio Northern University (ONU) ranks third, featuring an impressive job placement rate of 95.86%. Alongside its strong academic programs, ONU offers excellent financial aid opportunities, helping students manage their debt effectively.
4. Stonehill College
State: Massachusetts
City: Easton
Placement Rate: 95.83%
Stonehill College in Easton, Massachusetts, makes the list with a job placement rate of 95.83%. With a favorable student-to-faculty ratio of 12:1 and over 100 academic programs, this college is a great choice for future success.
5. Lebanon Valley College
State: Pennsylvania
City: Annville
Placement Rate: 95.63%
Lebanon Valley College boasts a commendable job placement rate of 95.63%. The college is dedicated to providing students with resources and opportunities that foster academic and professional growth.
6. Marquette University
State: Wisconsin
City: Milwaukee
Placement Rate: 95.55%
Marquette University encourages students to “Be the Difference,” reflected in their job placement rate of 95.55%. This institution prepares graduates to make impactful contributions in their communities and beyond.
7. Illinois Wesleyan University
State: Illinois
City: Bloomington
Placement Rate: 95.45%
Illinois Wesleyan University ranks seventh with a job placement rate of 95.45%. The college promotes an environment of curiosity and exploration, essential for career readiness.
8. Providence College
State: Rhode Island
City: Providence
Placement Rate:95.28%
Providence College holds the eighth position with a strong job placement rate of 95.28%. This college equips students with the tools necessary for a successful post-graduation journey.
9. Saint Anselm College
State: New Hampshire
City: Manchester
Placement Rate:95.21%
Saint Anselm College, known for its exceptional dining and supportive community, ranks ninth with a job placement rate of 95.21%. Students can expect a smooth transition into the workforce.
10. Saint Johns University
State: Minnesota
City: Collegeville
Placement Rate: 95.16%
Saint Johns University, with its rich traditions and a job placement rate of 95.16%, emphasizes the importance of career readiness among its students.
These Colleges Excel At Preparing Students For The Workforce
In today’s competitive job market, it is vital to recognize colleges that effectively equip students for successful careers.
The ten colleges featured above have the highest job placement rates in their respective states. Additionally, we highlight the best institutions for obtaining employment nationwide. With in-state tuition often providing significant savings, these colleges are attractive options for many students aiming to minimize debt while receiving a quality education.
| State | College | Employment Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Auburn University | 91.39% |
| Alaska | University of Alaska Anchorage | 83.35% |
| Arizona | Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott | 92.13% |
| Arkansas | University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences | 93.06% |
| California | Samuel Merritt University | 94.46% |
| Colorado | Colorado School of Mines | 91.91% |
| Connecticut | Quinnipiac University | 96.10% |
| Delaware | University of Delaware | 93.82% |
| Florida | Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach | 92.13% |
| Georgia | Spelman College | 92.69% |
| Hawaii | Hawaii Pacific University | 89.08% |
| Idaho | The College of Idaho | 90.04% |
| Illinois | Illinois Wesleyan University | 95.45% |
| Indiana | Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology | 94.65% |
| Iowa | University of Dubuque | 94.72% |
| Kansas | Baker University | 93.10% |
| Kentucky | Georgetown College | 92.22% |
| Louisiana | Xavier University of Louisiana | 93.46% |
| Maine | University of New England | 93.65% |
| Maryland | Loyola University Maryland | 94.19% |
| Massachusetts | Stonehill College | 95.83% |
| Michigan | Kettering University | 94.13% |
| Minnesota | Saint Johns University | 95.16% |
| Mississippi | University of Mississippi | 91.42% |
| Missouri | Culver-Stockton College | 94.39% |
| Montana | Carroll College | 91.56% |
| Nebraska | University of Nebraska Medical Center | 94.96% |
| Nevada | University of Nevada-Reno | 88.75% |
| New Hampshire | Saint Anselm College | 95.21% |
| New Jersey | The College of New Jersey | 94.26% |
| New Mexico | New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology | 87.12% |
| New York | Siena College | 95.13% |
| North Carolina | Elon University | 94.54% |
| North Dakota | University of North Dakota | 94.18% |
| Ohio | Ohio Northern University | 95.86% |
| Oklahoma | Oklahoma Wesleyan University | 88.91% |
| Oregon | Linfield University-McMinnville Campus | 92.58% |
| Pennsylvania | Lebanon Valley College | 95.63% |
| Rhode Island | Providence College | 95.28% |
| South Carolina | Citadel Military College of South Carolina | 94.29% |
| South Dakota | Augustana University | 96.05% |
| Tennessee | Rhodes College | 92.78% |
| Texas | Trinity University | 93.52% |
| Utah | Westminster College | 88.38% |
| Vermont | Castleton University | 94.66% |
| Virginia | James Madison University | 94.35% |
| Washington | Gonzaga University | 91.73% |
| West Virginia | West Virginia Wesleyan College | 91.28% |
| Wisconsin | Marquette University | 95.55% |
| Wyoming | University of Wyoming | 88.61% |
Author
Kathy is the head of content at Zippia with a knack for engaging audiences. Prior to joining Zippia, Kathy worked at Gateway Blend growing audiences across diverse brands. She graduated from Troy University with a degree in Social Science Education.
