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October 1, 2002

Despite economy, agriculture grads find good jobs

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Despite the weakest employment market in 15 years, most spring graduates from the Purdue University School of Agriculture who were looking for jobs have found them.

In a report released today (Tuesday, 10/1) it was announced that 87 percent of the May 2002 agriculture graduates are employed or in school. The percent of those in jobs is 67 percent while 20 percent are continuing their education. Twelve percent are seeking employment.

"The number of our graduates who are working is down from previous years," said Allan Goecker, assistant dean and associate director of academic programs. "But given the nation's economy, agriculture still continues to provide many good-paying jobs for our graduates."

Starting salaries for all agriculture graduates averaged $31,629. The highest average starting salaries went to agricultural and food process engineering graduates, who are earning an average of nearly $44,000.

Prior to this past spring, the percentage of agriculture graduates finding jobs within four months of graduation had been around 75 percent, with about 5 percent still looking. The number of graduates continuing their education rose only slightly this past year, by 1 percent.

The employment statistics are based on a 99 percent response rate of the 346 May 2002 graduates.

Writer: Beth Forbes, 9765) 494-2722; forbes@purdue.edu

Source: Allan Goecker, (765) 494-8473; goecker@purdue.edu

Ag Communications: (765) 494-2722; Beth Forbes, bforbes@aes.purdue.edu; https://www.agriculture.purdue.edu/AgComm/public/agnews/

Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu


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