The most recent class of Case Western Reserve graduates streamed into the workforce in record numbers, as many found job openings and high starting salaries in a hot economy. Graduates of the Case School of Engineering led the march to employment, but they did not see the salary jumps of other professions.

That’s according to the latest First Destination Survey, a poll that plumbs the experiences of CWRU’s most recent graduating class. Since 2005, the Office of Post-Graduate Planning and Experiential Education has surveyed newly-degreed undergraduates and asked about their plans for the immediate future.

The Class of 2022 exhibited several breaks from the past. The survey found that 56% of class members went right to work, the highest proportion recorded in the survey’s 17 years. In contrast, 37% of went on to pursue an advanced degree, a 7% drop from 2021.

Among engineering graduates, nearly 70% opted for full-time employment, compared to 50% the year before.

Only 3% of students reported still seeking opportunities upon graduation. That’s also a survey record.

Graduates entering the workforce reported higher starting salaries than previous classes, though the size of the paycheck depended on the field.

The Case School of Engineering again produced many of CWRU’s best paid graduates, as CSE grads were offered starting salaries ranging from $70,000 to $74,999. But that range was unchanged from the year before.

Meanwhile, graduates of the Weatherhead School of Management saw paychecks rise to engineering levels. Weatherhead grads also received offers ranging from $70,000 to $74,999 a year—and that represents a year over year increase of $10,000.

Graduates of the College of Arts and Sciences saw their starting offers rise an average $5,000, from a range of $35,000 to $39,999 to $40,000 to $44,999.

The median starting salary range overall for a CWRU graduate was $65,000 to $69,900, which is $5,000 higher than 2021.

Notably, one-third of those newly employed CWRU graduates accepted jobs in Northeast Ohio.

Find more details on survey results at https://case.edu/postgrad/aboutoutcomes-and-data/first-destination-survey