March 9, 2026
Contact: Janese Heavin, heavinj@missouri.edu
At the University of Missouri, Tigers waste no time turning degrees into success.
More than 95% of Tigers begin their careers, continue their education or report other successful outcomes within six months of graduation.
That’s from Mizzou’s latest career outcomes survey. And it marks the third consecutive year that our outcomes have exceeded national benchmarks.
“Mizzou transforms students into proven leaders by providing a world-class education, hands-on experiences and incredible support from dedicated faculty and staff,” University of Missouri President Mun Choi said. “These impressive results show that Tigers graduate with the skills and confidence needed to make an immediate impact."
The success is no accident. Behind the statistic is a campuswide commitment to career readiness through hands-on learning, robust career resources and leadership programs designed to ensure Mizzou graduates stand out in the job market.
“Employers recognize the standard of excellence a Mizzou education brings to the workforce,” Matthew Martens, provost and executive vice chancellor for academic affairs, said. “Our graduates step confidently into their careers because of our rigorous academic and scholastic expectations, paired with the Missouri Method’s real-world experiences that prepare them to lead from day one.”
The latest survey, conducted in partnership with the National Association of Colleges and Employers, shows that more than 2,000 employers have hired graduates from the Class of 2025. Top industries employing full-time Mizzou graduates include finance, health care, manufacturing, education, business and communications. Nearly 70% of graduates are living and working in Missouri, strengthening the state’s workforce and economy.
“We are addressing the workforce needs of many industry sectors with our graduates,” Jim Spain, vice provost for undergraduate studies, said. “And we love that our students are choosing to begin their careers here in Missouri. This helps strengthen our local communities and enhance the partnership between our institution and the industries we serve. When our students thrive locally, our entire state benefits. We also benefit by having alumni located in Missouri who are able to sponsor internships and serve as mentors for future Mizzou students.”
How Mizzou ensures success
At Mizzou, career success is built into the student experience. Coursework and extracurricular opportunities are designed with life after college in mind.
Here are five ways Mizzou prepares students for success.
1. Real-world experience
From university-owned community newsrooms to law clinics and health programs that serve the public, Mizzou students have ample opportunities to apply what they learn in the classroom. It’s called the Missouri Method, a philosophy of learning-by-doing, and it’s found in every school and college on campus.
2. The Mizzou Career Center
While classes ensure Tigers thrive in their careers, The Mizzou Career Center helps them get there. From career exploration to resume development and mock interviews, the center helps Tigers clarify their goals and take the next steps.
3. Career fairs and employer connections
Each semester, schools and colleges across Mizzou welcome thousands of employers, including Fortune 500 companies, seeking to hire Mizzou students. Career fairs are typically followed by next-day interviews with hiring managers on campus. Students are encouraged to attend career fairs even if they’re not yet ready for employment, as they allow students to explore jobs within their majors.
4. Professional networking
Mizzou makes sure students know industry leaders working in their fields. Schools and colleges often connect students to alumni and other successful professionals through guest lectures, lunch-and-learns and other events. Students also have opportunities to work directly with industry partners through student-staffed agencies, capstone projects, corporate tours and industry-specific conferences.
5. Entrepreneurship and innovation
At Mizzou, students dream big. And the university champions those ambitions. The Griggs Innovators Nexus in the MU Student Center provides space and resources for students to connect with mentors and coaches as they pitch ideas for new startups. Entrepreneur Quest, an annual student pitch competition, gives students the opportunity to compete for funding to support their goals. There are even retail storefronts and incubator office space that students can use to bring their concepts to life.
By combining academic rigor with real-world experience and intentional opportunity, Mizzou prepares graduates for what’s next. And employers are noticing year after year.
