The majority of Worcester State graduates from the class of 2025 are both working in their fields of study and earning higher-than-average in-state pay, according to a survey recently administered by the university’s Career Development Center.
The survey—conducted in accordance with standards set by the National Association of Colleges and Employers—found 81.3% of recent graduates have already landed a job that aligns with their degree, and are earning a median salary of more than $65,000. Comparatively, other New England public universities typically report in-field employment rates between 72% and 79%, per the Career Development Center. The survey began before students graduated, in April of 2025, and concluded in November that same year.
Making these strong numbers even more impressive, after graduating, the class of 2025 entered a cool labor market, characterized by hiring slowdowns and sector-specific layoffs. Despite these challenges, Worcester State graduates have been enjoying early career success, particularly in healthcare, education, public service, and human services.
“These students saw their high school and portions of their college experiences disrupted by the pandemic. They then graduated and were tasked with breaking into a tough labor market,” said Dannie Lacks, director of the Career Development Center. “This survey calls attention to how well the university prepares students for the working world, as well as the collective tenacity of our most recent graduates.”
In stepping off the commencement stage right into their careers, the class is also doing its part to support a larger trend of Lancer alumni finding early professional success: Worcester State graduates have among the highest average earnings of all Massachusetts public colleges and universities five years after graduation, according to data released this past fall by the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education. Of additional note, Worcester State alumni carry the least amount of college debt among graduates from all Massachusetts public colleges and universities.
“[This data] demonstrates our high-quality academic programs are doing an exceptional job of preparing students for long-term career success, and we are doing it without burdening families with debt,” Dr. Ryan Forsythe, vice president for Enrollment Management at Worcester State, said at the time of the report’s release. “That combination of quality, affordability, and career success is what sets Worcester State apart as the state’s top value for a four-year degree.”
Per the recent survey, 2025 graduates from the university’s largest academic programs secured a wide range of meaningful, entry-level roles that aligned closely with their fields of study.
Education majors were most commonly hired as elementary teachers, special education paraprofessionals, and behavior technicians; business administration graduates found opportunities in organizational and operational roles, including as marketing coordinators and human resources assistants; criminal justice graduates frequently accepted jobs as corrections case managers, public safety dispatchers, and loss prevention specialists; alumni with degrees in psychology were likely to take jobs in human services and mental health support roles, including as residential counselors.
“Collectively, these job titles demonstrate strong alignment between academic preparation and post-graduation employment,” the Career Development Center wrote in the survey. “This information matters because it demonstrates the real-world impact of a Worcester State education, helps faculty and institutional leaders understand emerging workforce trends, and guides the Career Development Center in strengthening resources that support student success.”
The survey found top employers included many of the most notable workplaces in central Massachusetts, MetroWest, and Worcester County, including OpenSky Community Services, TJX Companies, and Worcester Public Schools. A significant number of respondents also reported working in Greater Boston, Rhode Island, and Connecticut.
The results weren’t all about work, however. The survey, which 93% of the class responded to, additionally found that more than 20% of graduates are pursuing advanced degrees.
The Career Development Center serves both students and alumni. On campus, it provides students with career advising, a free internship and job database, and a state and university-funded program that provides financial support to students participating in internships. Resources available to alumni include job boards, as well as a variety of guides relating to resume and cover letter writing, job offer evaluation, career fair preparation, and more.
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