Rising graduates expect to make six figures ($101,500 on average), but recent graduates report an average starting salary of just $68,400.
High Hopes: Rising Graduates’ Expectations for the Workforce
A new study comparing rising graduates, those about to complete their degrees, and recent graduates reveals a major gap between expectations and realities. An overwhelming majority of rising grads (82%) expect to start working within three months of graduating, while 90% rate schedule flexibility as a very important job factor. On average, rising graduates also expect to command starting salaries of $101,500, reflecting a high level of confidence in their entry into the workforce.
Reality Check: Recent Graduates’ Workforce Experiences
Among recent graduates surveyed, 77% reported finding employment within three months of graduation, slightly below the expectations of current students. However, just under half (42%) shared that they were unable to secure the salary they had hoped for. On average, recent graduates reported a starting salary of $68,400, a significant gap compared to rising grads’ six-figure expectations. Additionally, only 29% of recent graduates described their jobs as offering very flexible schedules, highlighting another area where reality falls short of new graduates’ priorities.
Bridging the Divide: Preparing for Workforce Realities
The findings illustrate the clear divide between the aspirations of rising graduates and the realities faced by those newly in the workforce. As companies continue to evolve their hiring practices, understanding these gaps will be critical for employers looking to attract and retain emerging talent. Graduates entering the workforce may need to recalibrate expectations around compensation and flexibility as they transition from academia to employment.
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Zip Recruiter 2025 Graduate report
Research publisher
ZipRecruiter is a leading online employment marketplace that actively connects people to their next great opportunity. ZipRecruiter’s powerful matching technology improves the job search experience for job seekers and helps businesses of all sizes find and hire the right candidates quickly.
Methodology
The 2025 Graduate report is based on an online sample and conducted by PureSpectrum between February 28 and March 19, to explore recent and rising graduates’ attitudes and experiences as they enter the U.S. labor market. The survey was administered to a panel of 3,000+ verified recent and rising undergraduate students. All respondents were between the ages of 20 and 29 and currently living in the United States. Recent graduates must have received their Bachelor’s degree within the last year. Rising graduates must be primarily part-time or full-time students graduating within the next year.
In addition to standard screening and demographic questions, respondents were asked about their job search experience, pay expectations, job preferences and future job market expectations. Additional findings regarding prevalence and distribution of these experiences and expectations across the recent and rising graduates cohorts by demographic and college majors is available by request.
