New college graduates overestimate starting salaries by nearly $24,000, report finds

Date:

May 4, 2026

It’s a challenging labor market for those just starting out, and new job seekers will likely have to recalibrate their earning potential.

Today’s college seniors expect to make about $80,000 one year after graduation, according to a survey of undergraduates pursuing a bachelor’s degree by real estate site Clever in February and March.

Yet, the average starting salary for recent graduates is $56,153, Clever found, a difference of nearly $24,000.

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Matt Zalaznick

Matt Zalaznick is the managing editor of University Business, covering higher education leadership, teaching and learning, student achievement, education technology, and federal education policy. A journalist since 1996, Zalaznick has reported on politics, law enforcement, and breaking news for newspapers and websites across the U.S. Virgin Islands, the San Francisco Bay Area, Colorado, and the New York City suburbs. He holds a B.A. in English from Tufts University.

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New college graduates overestimate starting salaries by nearly $24,000, report finds

The Always-On Insight and Networking Platform for Superintendents and Their Teams

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