Kankakee Community College received word this week that it’s among the best in placing students in jobs. A new website, called Zippia, helps students with career choices. Zippia ranked the local college No. 1 among Illinois' junior colleges for getting its students jobs.

The survey took into account job placement rates in the 10th year after students graduate, based on information colleges give to the U.S. Department of Education.

According to the survey, Kankakee Community College had a job placement rate of 87 percent. Topping the list nationally for two years in a row was North Central Kansas Technical College, with a 94 percent rate.

KCC president, Dr. John Avendano, calls this a "big deal."

"One of our primary goals is to prepare our workforce for our respective communities," he said. "I'm proud that we've been recognized by a third party. It's always a great thing to see."

Avendano noted 100 percent of the college's students in health careers programs such as nursing, radiography and physical therapy assisting pass their licensure exams the first time.

"They are ready for the workforce," Avendano said. "We find similar things in manufacturing. We're affordable, efficient and accessible."

St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minn., is known as one of the best schools nationally for tracking its students after graduation.

Dan Franklin, an admissions officer for St. Olaf, said KCC should advertise its new ranking. He said St. Olaf is trumpeting the fact that it sends more of its students to study abroad than any other liberal arts college in the country.

"Everyone will use statistics to make them look good," he said.

94.1 WGFA