Great Jobs, Great Lives: Goucher’s Story

For years the value of a college degree has been determined by the easiest outcomes to measure—namely job and graduate school placement rates and alumnae/i salaries. These metrics have some merit, but Goucher understands its students are seeking even more from a college experience.

Gallup and Purdue University created an index that examines the long-term successes of graduates as they pursue a good job and better life. Goucher partnered with Gallup to see how its alumnae/i are faring and how well it prepared its students overall for a good life.

2,695

Alumnae/i

Surveyed between October 12 and November 11 of 2015. Divided into two cohorts: 1950-1989 alumnae and 1990-2015 alumnae/i.

Comparison Groups

National College Graduates

Those with a bachelor’s degree from four-year public, private, for-profit, or nonprofit institutions in the U.S. Group is female only for 1950 to 1989 and co-ed for graduates from 1990-2015.

Small, Residential College Graduates

From small and highly residential four-year universities with a focus on the arts and sciences. 1950-1989 female cohort included in the combined total graduates.

Competitor College Graduates

1950-1989 female cohort included in the combined total graduates. Universities include: Allegheny College; American University; Beloit College; Bennington College; Boston University; Brandeis University; Bryn Mawr College; Clark University; Connecticut College… More.

Key Findings

Workplace Engagement

Goucher graduates are more engaged at work.

48%

Goucher graduates

40%

National college graduates

42%

Small, residential college graduates

42%

Competitor graduates

Well-Being

The number of Goucher alumnae/i thriving in all five elements of well-being (purpose, social, financial, community, and physical) is almost double the national average.

17%

Goucher graduates

9%

National college graduates

11%

Small, residential college graduates

8%

Competitor graduates


The Magic Six

Goucher outperformed its competitors and the national average on all but one of these “magic six” indicators that measure the effectiveness of the undergraduate experience.

Gallup’s research has found the overall educational experience and emotional connections students make while in college are what really leads to both professional success and well-being. Certain college experiences could double or triple workplace engagement and well-being.