College grads expect an $80k salary. Good luck with that

Date:

May 29, 2026

Newly minted college graduates may have to manage their expectations about that first job.

The average college student expects to earn $80,000 after graduation, according to a new survey from Clever Real Estate. But the actual starting salary for college graduates is closer to $56,000.

The survey comes at a time when college students are spending more than ever on higher education, borrowing more and graduating into a tight job market.

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College grads expect an $80k salary. Good luck with that

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

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