Gallup-Purdue Index Finds WGU Grads Have Great Jobs, Great Lives

ST. LOUIS, March 5, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Graduates from Western Governors University (WGU)—parent university of WGU Missouri—are more likely than graduates from other U.S. universities to have the jobs they want, feel engaged at work, and have an emotional attachment to their alma maters, according to a study conducted by Gallup in 2014.

The study, which included 4,000 WGU graduates, compared the WGU responses to the national data included in the Gallup-Purdue Index. Gallup and Purdue developed the index to examine the long-term success of graduates as they pursue a good job and a better life. The index provides insight into the relationship between the college experience and whether college graduates have great jobs and great lives.

According to the study:

• The employment rate for WGU alumni who have graduated within the last five years—79 percent—easily outdistances the national average of 66 percent.
• WGU graduates are more likely to be engaged employees—15 percent higher than the national average.
• WGU alumni are at least twice as likely as graduates of other institutions to be thriving in all five elements of well-being—purpose, social, financial, community, and physical.
• WGU alumni are almost twice as likely to be emotionally attached to their university as alumni from other types of universities—proof that personal connections are possible in distance learning.

"WGU Missouri is a special kind of university, and it's not surprising to us that so many of our graduates are leading exceptional lives," said WGU Missouri Chancellor Angie Besendorfer. "We're very proud to see great professional benefits to our alumni, but even more delighted to confirm that they are leading fulfilling lives and remain attached to WGU for years after they attain their degree."

"WGU grads are more than twice as likely as other college graduates to say they had a faculty member who encouraged their goals and dreams," said Brandon Busteed, Executive Director, Gallup Education. "Given that Gallup has found this to be the single strongest element linked to long-term success in career and life, it's a hugely positive outcome. It's not about simply having an advisor who provides course selection tips...WGU grads are being inspired and encouraged around their life goals and dreams." 

About WGU Missouri
WGU Missouri is a competency-based, online university created to expand access to higher education for Missouri residents. The university offers more than 50 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in the fields of business, K-12 teacher education, information technology, and health professions, including nursing. WGU Missouri faculty members serve as mentors, working one-on-one with students, offering guidance, support, and individualized instruction.

Established through a partnership with nationally recognized Western Governors University, WGU Missouri is open to all qualified Missouri residents. The university is nonprofit and self-sustaining on flat-rate tuition of about $6,000 per year for most programs.

Degrees are granted under the accreditation of Western Governors University, which is accredited through the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). Teachers College programs are accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), and nursing programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE*).

More information is available at missouri.wgu.edu or by calling 855.948.8493.

*Western Governors University offers nursing programs that are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (One Dupont Circle, NW, Suite 5380, Washington DC 20036, 202-877-6791).

About Gallup
Gallup delivers forward-thinking research, analytics and advice to help leaders solve their most pressing problems. Combining more than 75 years of experience with its global reach, Gallup knows more about the attitudes and behaviors of the world's constituents, employees and customers than any other organization. Gallup consultants help private and public sector organizations boost organic growth through measurement tools, strategic advice and education. Gallup's 2,000 professionals deliver services at client organizations, through the Web and in nearly 40 offices around the world.

For complete Gallup-Purdue index results, visit http://products.gallup.com/168857/gallup-purdue-index-inaugural-national-report.aspx.

Follow WGU:
https://www.facebook.com/WGUMissouri  
https://www.linkedin.com/edu/school?id=42157  
https://twitter.com/wgumissouri  
https://www.youtube.com/user/WGUMissouri  

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/gallup-purdue-index-finds-wgu-grads-have-great-jobs-great-lives-300046455.html

SOURCE WGU Missouri

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