Forbes: Only 30% of 2025 college graduates and 41% of 2024 graduates found entry-level jobs in their fields

Recent data from the Cengage Group 2025 Graduate Employability Report reveals a challenging landscape for college graduates seeking entry-level employment. Only 30% of 2025 graduates and 41% of 2024 graduates secured full-time jobs in their fields, while 33% of 2025 graduates were unemployed and actively seeking work. The report attributes this trend to a narrowing labor market, with 76% of employers hiring the same or fewer entry-level workers in 2025, up from 69% in 2024, driven by factors including AI adoption (46%) and economic pressures (46%).

A significant skills gap persists between employer expectations and graduate preparedness. Employers prioritize job-specific technical skills, whereas educators emphasize soft skills like critical thinking, leaving 48% of graduates feeling unprepared to apply for entry-level roles. Additionally, 56% of unprepared graduates cited job-specific skills as their largest deficit, highlighting misalignment in curricula.

Degree requirements for entry-level roles have also increased, with 71% of employers now mandating a two- or four-year degree, up from 55% in 2024. This has intensified competition, with 26% of 2025 graduates working in fields unrelated to their degrees.

Professional networks and practical experience are increasingly influential in securing employment. Graduates reported that personal referrals (25%), internships (22%), and interview skills (20%) were more impactful than degrees alone (17%). However, 20% of graduates noted their programs failed to foster professional connections, underscoring a need for stronger institutional-employer collaboration.

The findings emphasize the urgency of aligning education with evolving workforce demands, particularly as AI reshapes job requirements. Employers, educators, and policymakers must address these gaps to improve graduate outcomes and sustain economic growth.