JMC records 99.2% knowledge rate of Class of 2024 grads

February 11, 2025

If you’ve recently graduated from James Madison College, Karissa Chabot-Purchase wants to hear from you.

In her role as an assistant director with MSU Career Services Network, Chabot-Purchase collects career outcomes data on Madisonians within six months of graduation.

This year’s efforts were particularly fruitful, providing JMC with a 99.2% knowledge rate of its Class of 2024 (which includes Fall 2023, Spring 2024 and Fall 2024 graduates). Of 260 students, Chabot-Purchase connected with 258.

“Madison’s consistently high knowledge rate is a direct result of the strength of our college community,” she said. “JMC alumni do an incredible job of staying connected to the faculty and staff they build relationships with during their time on campus. We’re able to leverage those unique relationships to gain a variety of insights into the ways our graduates are having impact around the globe.”

Chabot-Purchase’s outreach to the college’s newest alumni begins with a prompt to complete a survey, followed by personal outreach by email, then a phone call. JMC faculty and staff will reach out if they have a close connection with a graduate, and the professional-networking site LinkedIn is another helpful tool in this annual initiative.

This work is part of the university’s NACE (National Association of Colleges and Employers) reporting standards and helps provide insight into what JMC students do after they graduate.

Close to 62% of the Class of 2024 secured full-time or part-time employment with six months of graduation. Nearly 30% were continuing their education at institutions that include Brown University, Harvard, University of Michigan and the London School of Economics. Michigan was the most common post-graduation location, followed by Washington, DC.

“This year’s data shows that Madison graduates continue to secure meaningful opportunities in both professional and academic settings,” said JMC Dean Cameron Thies. “The response rate is also a testament to the lasting bonds students form with the college. These responses help us better understand the paths our alumni and the impact they have around the world.”  

Highlights from JMC’s Class of 2024 Career Outcomes Data

• Knowledge Rate: 99.2% from connections with 258 of 260 graduates. The university’s average knowledge rate is around 71%.
• Career Outcomes: 61.9% of graduates are employed (full- or part-time) and 29.2% are engaged in continuing education. Another 2% are involved in other outcomes that include the military or service organizations.
• Top post-graduation locations:
  • Michigan: 128 graduates
  • Washington, DC: 18 graduates
  • Illinois: 12 graduates
  • International: 10 graduates
  • New York: 5 graduates

Find more information on MSU’s career outcomes via Career Services Network.