COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ninety-five percent of recent graduates of The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences report either having a job or being enrolled in an advanced degree program within six months of graduation.

That’s according to a recent survey by school officials that found that of those graduates, 79% reported accepting positions in Ohio, which contributes to the state’s overall economic strength, said Adam Cahill, career development manager for the college.

The remaining graduates reported accepting positions in 35 other states, Washington D.C., and two other countries, Cahill said.

“The fact that our students have secured positions in multiple states and internationally shows that our programs are well known and respected,” he said. “Companies and organizations across the country target our students for employment because they know and value the quality of our graduates.

“Businesses see the value in an Ohio State degree because our graduates’ education and experiences make them well prepared to be leaders in numerous industries and markets.”

The survey was based on the 2020-21 academic year, when 653 students were awarded degrees. Of those graduates, 78 percent responded to the survey, Cahill said.

The report also found that:

• CFAES graduates indicated an average starting salary of $49,057.
• 93% of bachelor’s degree graduates who reported employment did so in a field related to their degree.
• Some 332 different companies and organizations hired CFAES graduates.

Additionally, the survey found that 97% of students who graduated with a two-year associate degree from Ohio State ATI on the CFAES Wooster campus, were employed or starting a 4-year-degree program within six months.

The report also found that of the Ohio State ATI graduates:

• 15% of associate degree graduates who entered the workforce returned to a family business.
• 93% of associate degree graduates who reported employment did so in a field related to their degree.
• 88% of associate degree graduates reported employment within the state of Ohio.

CFAES students also reported success with their internship experiences, with the average wage reported by interns at $13 per hour. CFAES students completed internships in 25 states and one other country, working at 266 different companies and organizations, 84% of which were within Ohio.

“I think it’s a testament to the quality of the students in our programs and how diverse their skills are for the job market,” he said. “We place heavy emphasis on students becoming well-rounded candidates through offering them hands-on experience in the classroom, through internships, study aboard opportunities, and involvement in student clubs and organizations.

“And with the growing demand and interest in food safety and security, water quality, higher production values and outputs, and anything related to sustainability and environmental issues, our graduates are positioned well to be successful and in demand.”

— Ohio State University CFAES