Graduating from college marks the start of an exciting new chapter in life, but it can also feel overwhelming as you navigate the world of full-time employment. With so many companies out there, how do you decide which ones will not only help you grow but also provide a stable and fulfilling experience?
That’s where the right data comes in. By focusing on two key metrics—Catalyst scores and two-year retention rates—we’re here to guide you toward the best employers in the US for graduates. The Catalyst score reveals how much impact a company can have on your future career, while the two-year probability tells you how likely employees are to stick around—a strong indicator of job satisfaction and long-term potential. While the median Catalyst score for all companies is 0, good companies score 6 or higher, with top employers exceeding 12.
Whether you’re looking to break into healthcare, tech, finance, or even renewable energy, this list highlights companies across industries that are setting the gold standard for graduate career development. These aren’t just jobs—they’re stepping stones to your future.
Top Employers for Graduates in the US
Here are some of the best employers in the US for graduates, ranked by Catalyst scores and retention rates:
- Conway Regional Health System (Arkansas)
- Catalyst Score: 16.67 (highest in the US)
- Two-Year Probability: 50.00%
This healthcare system offers exceptional career growth opportunities, particularly for those in medical and administrative roles.
- Dealer.com (Vermont)
- Catalyst Score: 15.76
- Two-Year Probability: 35.60%
A leader in digital marketing and software, Dealer.com provides excellent growth for graduates entering the tech and marketing industries.
- Hawaiian Electric Company (Hawaii)
- Catalyst Score: 15.65
- Two-Year Probability: 53.08%
This company offers graduates a unique opportunity to work in renewable energy and power distribution, with strong career-building potential.
- Fidelity Investments (Massachusetts and New Hampshire)
- Catalyst Score: 15.07
- Two-Year Probability: 59.03%
Fidelity is a top employer for graduates interested in finance, offering significant career growth and stability.
- Union Pacific Railroad (Nebraska)
- Catalyst Score: 14.83
- Two-Year Probability: 55.89%
Graduates seeking careers in logistics and transportation will find rewarding opportunities with Union Pacific.
- American Express (Arizona)
- Catalyst Score: 14.34
- Two-Year Probability: 61.94%
A global leader in financial services, American Express provides robust professional development programs for graduates.
- Cisco Systems (North Carolina)
- Catalyst Score: 14.29
- Two-Year Probability: 28.57%
Cisco offers cutting-edge opportunities in technology and networking, ideal for tech-savvy graduates.
- Nike (California and Oregon)
- Catalyst Score: 14.05
- Two-Year Probability: 47.41%
Graduates passionate about sports, retail, and branding will find Nike to be an innovative and inspiring workplace.
- Eli Lilly and Company (Indiana)
- Catalyst Score: 12.46
- Two-Year Probability: 63.25%
This pharmaceutical giant is a leader in career growth for graduates entering the healthcare and biotech sectors.
- SC Johnson (Wisconsin)
- Catalyst Score: 12.83
- Two-Year Probability: 53.86%
Known for its household products, SC Johnson offers excellent career opportunities in manufacturing and marketing.
Key Industries for Graduates in the US
- Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals: Employers like Conway Regional Health System and Eli Lilly are leaders in career growth, reflecting the ongoing demand for skilled graduates in medical, research, and administrative roles.
- Finance and Technology: Companies such as Fidelity Investments, Cisco Systems, and American Express offer exciting opportunities for tech-savvy and financially driven graduates.
- Energy and Sustainability: With rising demand for renewable energy, employers like Hawaiian Electric Company stand out for their innovation and career growth potential.
- Retail and Branding: Employers like Nike and SC Johnson showcase opportunities in consumer products and branding for creative graduates.
Ready to find the perfect start to your career? With CareerDNA, you can explore personalized salary benchmarks, see your potential career progression, and discover jobs tailored to your unique goals—all for free.
Take the next step in building your future: use CareerDNA to unlock insights that will set you apart in the job market and land you a role at one of the top employers in the country.
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