As Gen Z Job Search Tightens, Cedarville Says 98.3% of 2025 Grads Placed
Cedarville University reports 98.36% of its class of 2025 was employed or enrolled in graduate school within six months, citing career preparation and strong employer-ready skills, even as national surveys show many new grads struggling.
As many Gen Z graduates face a tougher-than-expected job market, Cedarville University reports that nearly all its class of 2025 landed on solid footing.
Cedarville’s First Destination Survey found that 98.36% of 2025 graduates were employed or enrolled in graduate school within six months of graduation. The class outcomes show 83.36% employed and 15.01% enrolled in graduate school
Gen Z Job Market Challenges: National Survey Data on Recent Graduates
This result stands against national reporting that recent graduates are struggling to secure full-time work. A Kickresume survey cited in Fortune found 58% of recent graduates were still looking for full-time work, compared with 25% of earlier graduates. It also found that only 12% of recent graduates had a full-time job lined up by graduation, compared with nearly 40% of earlier graduates.
Cedarville credits sustained career preparation and graduate readiness as key factors. University leaders point to students being shaped by faculty and classroom expectations that emphasize practical preparation, clear communication and professionalism. Cedarville graduates are consistently described as well-prepared by outstanding faculty and characterized by strong work ethic and communication skills.
Cedarville University Graduate Outcomes: 10-Year Placement Trend Above 98%
Over the past decade, Cedarville graduates have averaged above 98% employed or in graduate school, according to the university’s career services office.
Career Services Support: Résumé Help, Mock Interviews and Campus Career Fairs
“I think this achievement reflects Cedarville’s commitment to equipping students to step confidently into their calling, prepared for both career and life beyond graduation,” said Czerniak.
Czerniak said the office also helps students compete for roles and graduate programs through individualized support. “We help students craft strong résumés, CVs and personal statements, and we offer mock interviews tailored to their specific field or the programs they are applying to, helping them present themselves with confidence and clarity,” she said.
Class of 2025 First Destination Survey outcomes by school and department (employed or in grad school):
- Allied Health and Psychology: 100%
- Art, Design and Theatre: 92.59%
- Bible: 100%
- Business: 100%
- Communication: 100%
- Education: 100%
- Engineering: 95.41%
- English, Literature and Modern Languages: 97.05%
- History and Government: 100%
- Interdisciplinary Studies (Liberal Arts): 100%
- Music: 95.65%
- Nursing: 100%
- Pharmacy (BSPS): 100%
- Science and Math: 95.65%
- Social Work: 100%
About Cedarville University
Cedarville University, an evangelical Christian institution in southwest Ohio, offers undergraduate and graduate residential and online programs across arts, sciences and professional fields. With 7,265 students, it is among Ohio's largest private universities and is ranked among the nation’s top five evangelical universities in the Wall Street Journal’s 2026 Best Colleges in the U.S. Cedarville is also known for its vibrant Christian community, challenging academics and high graduation and retention rates. Learn more at cedarville.edu.