At a time when many Midwest states are concerned about losing college graduates to jobs elsewhere, Dordt University is seeing the opposite result in Iowa: more Dordt graduates are choosing to begin their careers in the state than the number of Iowa students the university initially enrolls.
By enrolling nearly two-thirds of the student body from outside the state of Iowa and retaining a substantial share of those graduates in Iowa after they graduate, Dordt delivers a net gain of college-educated talent to the state’s workforce—helping counter concerns about “brain drain” while strengthening Iowa’s economy.
“This isn’t accidental,” says Amy Westra, director of career development at Dordt University. “When a university is intentional about empowering their alumni network and partnering with employers and communities, graduates don’t just find jobs—they find places where their skills, values, and sense of purpose can take root. What we’re seeing is the result of aligning education with real, local needs.”
Dordt closely tracks graduate outcomes through its annual First Destination Report, where more than 90% of the most recent graduates respond to the career outcomes survey, providing a high level of confidence in post-graduation employment data.
According to the most recent data, 45% of Dordt graduates began their careers in Iowa. That includes over two-thirds of Iowa-resident students who remained in-state after graduation, and nearly one-third of out-of-state graduates who chose to stay in Iowa.
Notably, Dordt’s in-state retention rate for Iowa students exceeds that of Iowa’s public universities, positioning the institution as a contributor to workforce stability rather than talent loss.
Through ongoing initiatives designed to align academic programs with the needs of regional and statewide employers, Dordt University is strengthening Iowa’s workforce in fields such as agriculture, construction, education, and technology. Rather than exporting public investment, the university is importing talent—delivering a measurable net return to Iowa’s economy.
“These graduates aren’t only filling jobs,” Tudor adds. “They’re becoming youth group leaders, community volunteers, little league coaches, and soup kitchen organizers who are invested for the long haul. When you retain graduates who are both well-prepared and values-aligned, you’re not just strengthening the workforce—you’re strengthening the fabric of the state.”
About Dordt University
As an institution of higher education committed to the Reformed Christian perspective, Dordt University equips students, faculty, alumni, and the broader community to work toward Christ-centered renewal in all aspects of contemporary life. Located in Sioux Center, Iowa, Dordt is a comprehensive university named to the best college lists by U.S. News and World Report, the Wall Street Journal, Times Higher Education, Forbes.com, Washington Monthly, and Princeton Review.
“Our mission is to equip advanced-level nursing students for Christ-centered service. We want graduates to be excellent clinicians who approach their work with discernment, compassion, and a commitment to whole-person care.”
With the new Education Studies program, Dordt University expands opportunities for students pursuing careers in education and community engagement.
Related Events