Class of 2025 College Grads Responded to Challenges of a Tough Job Market

BETHLEHEM, PA—Although the Class of 2025 faced a tough job market, they responded in ways that suggest they were aware of the challenges they were confronting. Survey results in a new report from the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) support this.

NACE’s 2025 Student Survey revealed that when compared to those who graduated in 2024, the Class of 2025 started their job search earlier—6.4 months prior to graduation on average, compared to 6 months among 2024 graduates. On average, the Class of 2025 also submitted more job applications than their 2024 counterparts at 10 and six, respectively.

Members of the Class of 2025 received fewer job offers than those graduating with the Class of 2024, however, they accepted those offers at a higher rate. (See Figures 1 and 2.)

What is a differentiator for students in a challenging job market? Experiential education tops the list, and members of the Class of 2025 seemed to understand this: 84% of the Class of 2025 took part in an internship, co-op, or other experiential learning program. Students also overwhelmingly rated internships the top method of developing their skills.

“In any job market, students who have gained experience through internships and other hands-on learning activities have an advantage over those without such experience, and this edge is heightened in a tough job market,” says Shawn VanDerziel, NACE president and chief executive officer.

However, even after gaining experience and taking appropriate measures, uncertainty persisted  in the postgraduation plans of the Class of 2025. Compared to earlier classes, they were more likely to say they were unsure about their plans, and more were planning to enter the military, suggesting they were unsure about private-sector employment. Also, fewer said they were going to work for the federal government. (See Figure 3.)

About the 2025 Student Survey Report: NACE’s 2025 Student Survey, sponsored by Indeed, was conducted April 1 through May 30, 2025. The survey instrument was sent to NACE member colleges to distribute to their students. Overall, 13,684 college students, including 1,479 Class of 2025 graduating seniors at the bachelor’s degree level, from 258 colleges and universities took part.

About the National Association of Colleges and Employers: Established in 1956, the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) is the only professional association in the United States that connects more than 13,000 college career services professionals, more than 3,800 early career talent acquisition professionals, and more than 400 business solution providers that serve this community.

NACE is the premier source of market research on career readiness, the employment of recent college graduates, and the college-to-career transition. NACE forecasts hiring and trends in the job market; tracks salaries, recruiting and hiring practices, and student attitudes and outcomes; and identifies best practices and benchmarks.

NACE offers its members unparalleled research, networking and professional development opportunities, guidance on standards and ethics, and advocacy on key issues. For more information, visit www.naceweb.org. NACE maintains a virtual press room for the media.