Wichita State University graduates working in Kansas had a higher rate of job placement and income than graduates from other traditional Kansas Board of Regents institutions, according to data from KBOR on post-graduation employment in Kansas from 2008-2010.

KBOR determined in its analysis that 65.4 percent of Kansas residents who graduated from one of the 32 public higher education institutions were employed in Kansas one year after graduating with a bachelor’s degree.

Wichita State graduates topped the list with 74.8 percent of its students gaining employment, followed by Emporia State with 72.0 percent, Pittsburg State with 60.1 percent, Kansas State with 55.6 percent and the University of Kansas with 49.2 percent. Fort Hays State did not report either income or job placement data this year.

A key element leading to higher employment and earning rates for its graduates is Wichita State’s emphasis on experience-based learning through cooperative education positions and internships.

“Research conducted by our office indicates that 90 percent of graduates who completed a co-op or internship through our office during the 2012-13 academic year are working in Kansas,” said Sara Muzzy, associate director of Wichita State’s Office of Cooperative Education and Work-Based Learning. “Our research further indicates that of those surveyed, 72 percent are working in Wichita, and 78 percent are employed in a position directly related to their majors.”

According to Bobby Gandu, director of admissions, national research indicates that outcomes and job placement are central factors in the college search process.

“College is a substantial investment, and we’re pleased that the evidence points to job placement and income success for our graduates,” Gandu said. “Prospective students and parents are taking notice of the exceptional value Wichita State has to offer.”

For two years in a row, KBOR has released information about job placement rates for Kansas higher learning institutions and this year additional information about graduate earnings was shared. Wichita State topped the list for job placements in Kansas last year, too.