Trine’s Class of 2026 stretches employment streak to 14 years

When Trine University’s string of more-than-99%-employment years for its graduates began, most of its current freshman class hadn’t started kindergarten.

The university’s Class of 2026 has added to that 14-year streak, with 99.1% of its members obtaining their desired career outcome within six months of graduation.

“The 99% job placement demonstrates to students and their families the great value a Trine University education delivers, which helps graduates accelerate in their careers and lives,” said Tony Kline, Ph.D., Trine University president. “Thanks to our incredible faculty, students are finding great success in our rigorous, hands-on academic programming. Our career placement streak placement is evidence that our academic programs are relevant to the industry needs of today and tomorrow.”

Dr. Kline added that a key element in the career success of Trine’s graduates is that all programs in Angola and Fort Wayne provide industry engagement opportunities like senior design and capstone projects, internships, research projects with industry partners, clinicals, practicums and other industry-connected experiences.

“One hundred percent of academic programs at our Angola and Fort Wayne campuses provide all students with options to partner with industry in solving real problems, which is a win-win for our students and those businesses. These experiences lead to our students walking across that stage at graduation knowing they're prepared, confident and ready for their next chapter of success,” he said.

About 97% of Trine’s Class of 2026 reported employment in their field of study and more than 85% were employed in the Midwest.

In addition to the overall figures, Trine’s Franks School of Education reported that 100% of its graduates seeking teaching positions have now been employed for 15 straight years.

Exceeding national averages

Trine’s employment rate for its graduates remains more than 13% higher than the most recent national figures. National figures for the Class of 2025, the most recent year available, showed 85.7% of college graduates employed within six months of completing their degree.

Events hosted by Trine University’s Career Center, which play a significant role in connecting students with employers, continue to grow.

The university set a record at its fall 2026 Tailgate for Talent Career Fair, with more than 160 employers participating and more than 750 students, about one-third of Angola campus undergraduates, attending the event.

“An increasing number of employers realize that Trine University graduates come equipped with the knowledge and skills to make an immediate impact in the workplace, and that internships are a great way to prepare motivated students to become future employees,” said Jason Blume, assistant vice president for Innovation One.

Data for the Trine University Class of 2026 is based on a 2026 Trine University Graduation Class Knowledge Rate of 85.3%, 463 of 543 traditional undergraduates responding. This is compared to the 2024 Graduation Class National Knowledge Rate of 55.0% from 571,545 total recorded.