The University of Southern Queensland has again led the way for employment outcomes and graduate salaries in Queensland. The latest Good Universities Guide 2021 rankings show that the Universityโ€™s graduates have the highest starting salary in Queensland (second nationally) with a median starting salary of $67,400.

The rankings also revealed 89 per cent of USQ postgraduates found full-time employment within four months of finishing their degree. Vice-Chancellor Professor Geraldine Mackenzie said the outcomes were outstanding in light of the uncertain global landscape. โ€œThese strong results are very reassuring, especially given the current environment,โ€ she said.

โ€œThe rankings show that University of Southern Queensland students get more out of their education and finish with high employability skills, in fact many have gained full-time employment before graduation.โ€ Professor Mackenzie said the strong results stemmed from degrees that prepared students for the workplace.

โ€œWe develop practical and relevant programs through industry partnerships, including our work with Qantas, where our Bachelor of Aviation students are connected to the Qantas Group Future Pilot Program,โ€ Professor Mackenzie said.ย โ€œWe strive to create a learning environment that is exciting and innovative using the latest in digital learning technology.โ€

The guide criteria is broken down into quality of educational experience, overall employment rates of graduates and the median salary of graduates from different universities across Australia. The Universityโ€™s engineering programs topped the list ranking number one in Australia for graduates in full-time employment and undergraduate median starting salary, and the Creative Arts undergraduate program was number one for overall education experience.

ย Importantly, the University of Southern Queensland was ranked first in Queensland, and second in Australia for Social Equity and proportion of First Generation students. โ€œFor us, these ranking cement our commitment to providing a quality education to all regardless of background or pathway to university,โ€ Professor Mackenzie said. โ€œOur programs and practices are equitable and accessible which includes a number of pathways to access higher education.โ€

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