USQ graduates have highest starting pay packets of any university

The University of Southern Queensland has topped the list of all universities in Australia when it comes to several graduate employment outcomes.

The University of Southern Queensland has topped the list of all universities in Australia when it comes to graduate employment outcomes.

New data has revealed USQ undergraduates have the highest starting pay packet in the country with a median starting salary of $70,700.

This is well above the Australian university average of $64,700 according to the 2020 Graduate Outcome Survey National Report.

University of Southern Queensland Vice-Chancellor Professor Geraldine Mackenzie

The data also revealed nearly 80 per cent of USQ students gained full-time employment straight from completing their university degree.

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the university was among only three universities in the country where the full-time employment rate rose this year – up from 76.1 per cent in 2019 to 78.9.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Geraldine Mackenzie said the rankings were reflective of the university’s commitment to developing industry-relevant programs and work-ready graduates.

“The flexibility of our offerings enables our students to gain important employment and industry experience as part of their studies, which gives them an advantage when it comes to post-graduation employment,” Professor Mackenzie said.

“As a regional university we have strong links with our communities which enriches the experience of our students as well as provides the workforce of the future for regional areas, which are on a growth trajectory.

“In fact, seven out of 10 students who study at a regional university like the University of Southern Queensland go on to work in regional areas, driving economic and social development.”