SIOUX FALLS, S.D. -- Career site Zippia has ranked Augustana University second in the nation for post-graduation employment, based on data from the College Scorecard that came out earlier this summer.

Using the U.S. Department of Education data featured on the College Scorecard, Zippia formed a list of each state's institution with the highest listed job placement numbers, looking specifically at employment levels at year 10 after students are enrolled. Each of those colleges were then sorted from highest employment levels to lowest.

Zippia rounded each institution's percentage to two decimal places, bringing Augustana to a 96.05% employment rate over a ten-year period. The Vikings were edged out of first place by Connecticut's Quinnipiac University by just .05%.

"This report highlights Augustana's commitment to producing a diversified and experienced workforce," said Billie Streufert, executive director of Augustana's Student Success Center. "It reinforces our foundational approach of a liberal arts education that helps students transition into leaders who think critically, communicate clearly and solve unscripted problems."

Recent Viking student-athletes mirror this statement, as they also highlight Augustana as a huge reason for post-graduate success. 

National Champion and softball alumna Maggie Dunnett is currently a Registered Nurse in the NICU (neonatal intensive care unit) at the Sanford Health Center.

"I was able to experience many different opportunities through Augie's nursing program, and this made it possible to have NICU experience before graduating, making me more marketable for the position I obtained,'' said Maggie, when asked how Augustana set her up for success.

Dunnett also highlighted staff and faculty members as assets that separate Augustana from other institutions.

"Every staff member at Augustana wants the absolute best for their students. They are invested in your future and your college experience. Without my professors, I would not have been able to succeed the way I did."

Chet Peerenboom, a 2018 football captain and tight end, is currently the Treasury Services Business and Risk Coordinator at First Premier Bank in Sioux Falls. Peerenboom also cited out-of-classroom opportunities as a big reason for his post-graduate success.

"I got two internships at First Premier through Augie and I think it gave me a big advantage when it came time to apply for full-time jobs. The rigorous academic and athletic schedule I had also prepared me very well to be able to handle the demands of a full-time job." 

Current Augustana student-athletes look to continue the precedent set before them as classes start today and athletic events start on Friday, Sept. 6.