GradReports recently ranked Samford University as the #5 best college for post-graduate salary in Alabama.
“We recently published our 2021 Best College rankings, based on median early-career salary data of over 4.6 million graduates from the U.S. Department of Education’s resource, College Scorecard,” Sarah Glass, a GradReports representative, explained.
Colleges were ranked by a salary score, a metric which used median alumni earnings in the year following graduation. Over 2,200 schools in Alabama were compared against each other to determine the ranking.
According to a press release issued in January, “Optimal’s GradReports product has released its new proprietary Salary Scores in an effort to empower students with the data they need to make smart decisions.”
The GradReports website breaks down employment and salary information for each school based on field of study.
At Samford, journalism, music, human development, political science and education graduates report 100% employment rates. The Business department has the lowest employment rate of Samford’s departments with 89%. GradReports scored each department out of 100, meaning the closer to 100 the better. The highest salary score is in the Business department with 93, but the lowest salary score is the Music department with 11. Samford’s overall Bachelor’s salary score is 36, while the Master’s salary score is 42.
The website also displays student and graduate reviews of the university.
“Although my degree was in Human Development and Family Life Education, I am entering a masters program to become a Physician Assistant,” 2014 graduate Rebekah Carrington said. “I truly believe my degree gave me a solid foundation in learning to work with others, think about their lives from a psychological and societal standpoint, and will be very valuable in treating patients.”
Not only did Samford graduates express Samford’s preparation for post-graduate work, but also their growth spiritually and relationally during their time as students.
“I built lifelong bonds with the students I met there as well as many of the faculty members,” said 2012 graduate Christian Finn, “I appreciate that Samford allowed me to grow spiritually as well as academically, and I know that I am a better person for my experience there.”
GradReports’ research indicates that prestigious universities are not necessarily better at producing highly paid graduates.
According to the GradReports website, “Our research found that 86 of the top 100 schools for earning potential were private colleges, and the top 19 schools were private nonprofit institutions. We also found that only six out of the eight Ivy League schools were listed in the top 25 schools for earning potential.”
