CANTON — More than 96 percent of St. Lawrence University graduates from the class of 2013 were either employed or attending graduate school less than one year after graduation, a recent survey showed.

The Career Services Follow-Up survey asked recent St. Lawrence alumni what they were doing seven to 10 months after graduation.

“Of the 76 percent of the Class of 2013 who responded to the survey, 96.5 percent are employed full-time or enrolled in graduate school,” said Carleen Pallante, associate director of alumni and employer development in Career Services. “In addition, 94 percent of 2013 graduates were satisfied or very satisfied with their current employment.

According to The Wall Street Journal, the average response rate for members of the National Association of Colleges and Employers, of which St. Lawrence is one, is only 48 percent. St. Lawrence’s high response rate further validates the point that its graduates – with their strong foundation in the liberal arts – are proving to be successful even just months following graduation.

One reason St. Lawrence graduates are successful at finding employment upon graduation, including employment in their desired field, is due to the University’s strong alumni network, a release from the university says. Employment resulting from contacts with alumni for the class of 2013 was nearly 22 percent, which was more than a 9 percent jump over last year. The class also noted increases in gaining employment through internships.

A large portion of the Class of 2013 also took part in some kind of experiential learning experience while attending St. Lawrence. Of them, 92 percent had some sort of research experience, 61 percent studied off campus, 63 percent took part in an internship, and 68 percent participated in some sort of community service activity.

Despite popular claims that recent liberal arts graduates are either under- or unemployed, this survey of St. Lawrence’s Class of 2013 graduates stands in stark contrast. According to Association of American Colleges and Universities, 80 percent of employers believe that every student should acquire a broad knowledge in the liberal arts.