3 In 4 College Seniors Are Graduating Jobless As Overwhelm And Uncertainty Slow The Labor Pipeline

A recent survey of college seniors graduating in spring 2025 showed that the majority are entering the job market without employment secured, with many delaying their search due to stress and personal plans. 

The data, collected by ResumeTemplates, provides a snapshot of the current job-search status, salary expectations, and career readiness of soon-to-be graduates.

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Job Searching Delayed by Overwhelm and Other Priorities

Three out of four graduating seniors have yet to secure a job, and more than one-third haven’t even started applying. Among those who’ve delayed their search, the top reason is feeling overwhelmed. 

Others cite plans to rest, travel, or move home before starting work. Some are holding off due to plans for further education or pessimism about the current job market.

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Of those who have begun their search, just 41% have received job offers. Nearly 30% have not received a single interview, and another 18% have only had one. 

Despite available support, nearly half of job seekers haven’t used their campus career center.

Job Outcomes and Where Graduates Are Getting Hired

For those who have landed positions, most will begin in full-time roles. Students most commonly found these opportunities through LinkedIn, school networks, or personal connections.

Starting salaries vary widely. About one in five graduates expect to earn less than $30,000 in their first job, while nearly a quarter anticipate salaries between $30,001 and $50,000. Only 2% expect to earn more than $100,000, although one in five believe they’ll earn over $70,000.

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In-Person Work Still Preferred Over Remote Options

When it comes to work arrangements, nearly half of students say they want fully in-person jobs. Another 44% are aiming for hybrid roles, while just 11% are looking exclusively for remote positions. Despite years of online learning, many students seem to value face-to-face interaction and the in-office experience.

Preparation Gaps Could Impact Career Readiness

The findings clearly show gaps in preparation and support usage that could affect graduates’ job prospects. A portion of students say they have been told they seemed unprepared during interviews, suggesting a need for stronger engagement with school resources and guidance as they enter the workforce.

As the academic year ends, many graduates are navigating a complex job market while balancing mental health, expectations, and uncertainty about the future. The results suggest that targeted support and early engagement in job searching could make a significant difference in employment outcomes for the class of 2025.

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