No. 1 University for Preparing Graduates to Land Jobs

Samuel Merritt University has been named the best college in California for getting a job by career research website Zippia.

SMU was recognized for its 94.5% employment rate 10 years after graduation, as noted in its Department of Education College Scorecard data, which Zippia used as a major consideration for the ranking.

Zippia focused the ranking on the best colleges in each state to graduate with bachelor’s degrees. SMU offers three bachelor programs, all in the College of Nursing: Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN), Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), and the RN-to-BSN Program. These programs also tout high graduation rates.

The ABSN program has a 96% graduation rate and 95% alumni employment rate one year after graduation. The BSN program has a 98% graduation rate and 92% employment rate. And RN-to-BSN has 100% graduation rate and 100% employment rate.

“We design our programs so that our graduates learn the necessary skills and knowledge to land well-paying jobs in their fields soon after graduation,” says Fred Baldini, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs. “All our programs put a premium on hands-on learning, and I think employers recognize the experience our graduates have and want to hire them. It’s rewarding to see how this translates to real career success for our alumni.”