The Appalachian Network is key to student success. Regular events like Business Connections help provide the foundation for long-lasting relationships within the Walker College network that connect students to jobs. With thousands of alumni launching new business careers each year, Appalachian is a force of positive change in our communities and in our world.
The Walker College’s first destination rates are consistently higher than the national average. Much of this success is due to career-focused programming, internship and job placement support from Business Career Services in our Truist Student Leadership Center, the strength of our network and the innovative curriculum our faculty develop and deliver. It’s all part of the Walker Experience.
Today, Appalachian business graduates are employed at a rate higher than the average. Survey measures are taken between commencement and six months after graduation. The most recent data pertain to graduates from December 2023 and May 2024.
Most Recent Data
Knowledge Rate: 89%
An Invitation to Alumni
Engage with Appalachian students! Developing your network and connections with others is key at every life stage. Opportunities to return to campus include Spring Connect, the Boyles Lecture and the Global Opportunities Conference in the spring, and Business Connections, Business for Good and the Carole Moore McLeod Entrepreneur Summit each fall. Help us strengthen our network and provide outstanding opportunities to our students and graduates.
A Force in North Carolina
With 4,000+ undergraduates — the highest enrollment of any business school in the UNC System — the impact of Appalachian’s alumni base on North Carolina industry is significant.
Graduate Career Data
Compiled by staff at in the Truist Student Leadership Center, first destination statistics report employment rates, salaries and additional information regarding undergraduates six months post-graduation. Those not at their first destination are still seeking full-time employment, but may have accepted part-time employment or a temporary, full-time job.
First Destination Rates
Of December 2023 and May 2024 graduates, 93% had successfully reached their first destination by six months after graduation, including those who are attending graduate school and who are involved in non-career-related pursuits such as world travel.
Geographic Destinations
The top full-time destinations were Charlotte, Raleigh, and Boone, as well as the Triad and Hickory/Lenoir areas. 75% of graduates stayed in North Carolina.
Employing Organizations
Among the top reported hiring organizations were Bank of America, Grant Thornton, Total Quality Logistics, TTI, FORVIS, Equitable Advisors, Lowe's Companies, US Army, ECRS, Tom James Company, Lowes Foods, and Hane Companies.
Increasing Salaries
Salaries have increased by approximately $10,000 during the past five years, with 2018-19 graduates earning an average of $48,217.
Average Salaries
Of the respondents who reported full-time employment, the average base salary was $58,408. Graduates with a BSBA in Computer Information Systems reported the highest base rate ($65,394), followed by graduates with a BSBA in Accounting ($65,062) and Finance & Banking ($62,556).
Previous Year's Data
2019-20
