Post-Graduation Statistics

What Is the First Destination Survey?

The First Destination Survey (FDS) is a national data collection initiative used by colleges and universities to understand what students do after graduation. It follows standards set by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) and captures the immediate career, continuing education, and service outcomes of new graduates within the first six months after completing their degree. This survey provides a snapshot of how ESU graduates transition into the workforce or further studies, offering valuable insight for students, families, employers, and university partners.

What Data Does ESU Collect?

In alignment with NACE standards, ESU’s Career & Workforce Development team collects the following information from each graduating cohort:

Career Outcomes

• Full-time employment
• Part-time employment
• Continuing education (graduate or professional programs)
• Military service
• Volunteer or service programs
• Seeking employment or further education

Employment Details

• Job title and employer
• Industry
• Work location
• Whether the role is related to the graduate’s field of study
• Salary ranges (optional)

Education Details

• Institution and program for graduate or professional studies
• Degree pursued

Engagement & Experience

• Internship, co-op, clinical, or student-teaching experience
• Career development or experiential learning used during their time at ESU

How We Collect the Data

ESU follows the national First Destination Survey protocols established by NACE’s First-Destination Standards and Protocols for Reporting Employment Outcomes.

Our team gathers information from:

• Direct student responses to the FDS
• Faculty and staff confirmations
• LinkedIn and publicly available professional updates
• Employer-reported hiring information
• Career center appointment records
• Verified follow-up outreach

All data is reviewed for accuracy and entered according to NACE’s methodology to ensure consistency and comparability across institutions nationwide.

Reporting Timeline

The data collection cycle runs for six months following the completion of each graduating cohort:

Data collection period:

• For May graduates, ESU collects responses through December of that same year.

Analysis and report development:

• The Career & Workforce Development team reviews, verifies, and compiles the data during the spring semester.

Publication of the annual report:

• The official First Destination Report is released each year after verification is complete, following NACE reporting guidelines. This phased process ensures the most accurate and comprehensive understanding of graduate outcomes.

Why This Matters

These insights help:

• Current students explore career pathways
• Prospective students understand the value of an ESU degree
• Employers recognize ESU talent and workforce strengths
• The university measure progress toward student success goals