Survey results released today show that 93.9 per cent of McMaster graduates are employed within six months of graduation. The rate exceeds the provincial average of 93.1.

“These results confirm what we have known for a long time. A McMaster degree provides today's students with greater opportunity for employment tomorrow. Our graduates are well prepared for the 21st century workforce and a university education remains one of the best investments we can make,” says University President Peter George.

The results are based on a survey of 1997 McMaster graduates. More than 2,800 students completed the questionnaire, with a 45 per cent response rate.

Figures released by the Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities also show that McMaster's employment rate of 1997 graduates two years after graduation matches the provincial average of 96.4 per cent. And fewer McMaster students are defaulting on their student loans. The six per cent default rate is almost 40 per cent lower than in the previous year. The University's graduation rate stands at 77.6 per cent.

While the survey results are wonderful news for McMaster, President George remains concerned about the impact small percentage shifts in performance indicators will have on government funding for universities. “It's distressing that a very small variance in results will affect, significantly, provincial funding allocations for individual institutions.”

President George says that McMaster is willing to work with ministry officials to improve the design of the performance indicators to enhance their predictability and accountability as a component of the funding mechanism.