Smithfield, RI—Bryant University has been named one of the top 50 colleges in the United States in LinkedIn’s inaugural ranking of undergraduate programs that best set up their alumni for long-term career success. The professional networking and career development social media platform placed Bryant at number 38 in its rankings, using data on job placement, internships, recruiter demand, career success, network strength, and breadth of knowledge. Bryant was ranked in the top five schools for internships and recruiter demand and was recognized for notable programs in data science, AI, and design thinking.
In making the announcement, LinkedIn News notes, "A four-year bachelor’s degree is a significant investment of time and money, especially as tuition costs rise and the job market shifts. For millions of Americans, the return-on-investment is worth it. Those who earn the degree can see an enduring impact on their earning potential and overall career trajectory. And where they earn that degree can have an even bigger impact: graduates of top programs often land jobs sooner, build strong professional networks and advance into leadership faster."
Bryant University President Ross Gittell, Ph.D., reflected on the ranking saying, “At a time when higher education faces significant challenges, this recognition highlights Bryant’s rising position among America's top four-year institutions and reaffirms what we already know: Our dedication to a rigorous student-centered education, global experiential learning, and an innovative curriculum is preparing students not just for their first job but for a lifetime of career success.”
In 2022, Bryant was recognized as a top national leader in education for return on investment (ROI), according to the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce (CEW) Scorecard. Last March, Bryant was again ranked in the top 1 percent nationally of the 4,600 schools included in the report.
For Bryant University’s Class of 2024, the median starting salary was $76,000, a 6 percent increase compared to the Class of 2023. In addition, 99 percent of the students were employed or in graduate school within six months.
“A core part of our mission at Bryant is to provide impactful experiential learning opportunities, through quality internship opportunities and the chance to solve real-world problems,” says Bryant University Provost and Chief Academic Officer Rupendra Paliwal, Ph.D. “LinkedIn’s ranking showcases the value of a Bryant education, where strong educational outcomes are the direct result of a learning experience where career preparation is embedded in the curriculum and where we give future the leaders the hands-on knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to succeed from their first day in the workforce.”
A new tuition-paid internship policy at Bryant, which expands the traditional offerings deployed at most institutions, allows students to gain academic credit for internships conducted in the summer and winter months.
Over 100 top-tier companies — including Fidelity Investments, PwC, Merrill Lynch, CVS, Nike, and Google — take part in the Amica Center for Career Education’s annual recruiting and internship offerings. The Bryant Career Connection platform, powered by Handshake, connects students to more than 35,000 job opportunities and nearly 17,000 internship opportunities across the nation. In addition, the 50,000-plus members of Bryant’s global alumni community pay it forward by connecting current students with internship opportunities in their fields.
“LinkedIn understands the power of connection and how top-notch internship opportunities bolster experiential learning and enable Bryant students to thrive here and in their careers after graduation,” says Inge-Lise Ameer, Ed.D., Bryant’s vice president for student affairs and dean of students. “The wide range of support programs offered by the Amica Center connect our students to tremendous corporate and community partners, allowing them to fully explore their options while gaining hands-on experience that prepare them for successful careers.”
About Bryant University
For 160 years, Bryant University has been at the forefront of delivering an exceptional education that anticipates the future and prepares students to be innovative leaders of character in a changing world. The university delivers an integrated academic and student life experience with nationally recognized academic programs at the intersection of business, liberal arts, and health and behavioral sciences.
Located on a 465-acre contemporary campus in Smithfield, R.I., Bryant enrolls approximately 3,800 undergraduate and graduate students from 41 states and 50 countries. Bryant is recognized as a top 1 percent national leader in student education outcomes and ROI and regularly receives high rankings from U.S. News and World Report, QS Stars, Money, Bloomberg Businessweek, Wall Street Journal, and College Factual. Bryant.edu