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Graduates Expect $80k, Earn $56k; Unemployment Rises to 5.6%

5/30/2026

28 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

A survey of 769 students in February–March found graduates expect $80,004, while data shows they earn $56,153.
Education majors expect $75,186 yet earn $46,500, while engineering majors expect $92,452 yet earn $78,731.
A 2025 NACE survey reports half of employers rate job market fair or poor, unemployment for graduates aged 22-27 rose to 5.6% in March from 4.2%, while April 34% of 166 employers expect more hires and 11% expect cuts.

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Story summary

A survey of 769 students in February–March found graduates expect $80,004, while data shows they earn $56,153.
Education majors expect $75,186 yet earn $46,500, while engineering majors expect $92,452 yet earn $78,731.
A 2025 NACE survey reports half of employers rate job market fair or poor, unemployment for graduates aged 22-27 rose to 5.6% in March from 4.2%, while April 34% of 166 employers expect more hires and 11% expect cuts.