Executive Summary 

The one-year Baccalaureate follow-up survey was administered to alumni receiving their bachelors' degrees during the calendar year 2006. A total of 3,681 surveys were mailed and 1,212 surveys were returned yielding a response rate of 33%. General highlights of some of the results are outlined below.

• Eighty-three percent (83%) of the respondents reported a "strongly positive" or "positive" attitude toward SIUC while 76% reported similar positive attitudes toward their bachelor's degree major.
• An impressive 96% responded "yes" when asked "Would you recommend SIUC to anyone?"
• The full-time employment rate of the survey respondents is 80%.
• Of the 856 alumni who were employed full-time and reported their salaries, the median annual salary was $42,000.
• Regarding level of job satisfaction with their current jobs, 90% of the alumni reported being "very satisfied, satisfied, or somewhat satisfied" with their current positions.  Seventy-three (73%) stated that their jobs were either "closely related or related" to their majors, with 14% stating that their current jobs were unrelated to their baccalaureate major by choice.
• Of those respondents who are pursuing additional degrees, 69% felt that their undergraduate degree has prepared them "very well or well" for their additional degree program.
• Respondents either "strongly agreed or agreed" with the following statements regarding their major or major department at the indicated percentage levels:
  • 95% -- In general, the size of my classes in my major program was conducive to a quality educational experience.
  • 94% -- The faculty in my major program effectively communicated the subject matter.
  • 94% -- The faculty in my major program were very good instructors.
  • 92% -- Courses in my major helped me develop my ability to think critically.
  • 92% -- Courses in my major helped me develop my ability to communicate my ideas to others.
  • 95% -- The number of required courses in my major program could be completed in a reasonable amount of time.
  • 92% -- Classes in my major program were offered in a logical sequence.
  • 89% -- Classes in my major program were offered at convenient times.
  • 92% -- My program of study challenged me.
  • 89% -- There was improvement in my ability to write more clearly and effectively.
  • 87% -- Courses in major helped me develop my ability to understand other people.