How America Succeeds After College 2025

90% of recent grads say they had a positive college experience

Recent grads are optimistic about the future

have a positive outlook on their lives and expect their income to increase in the next 5 years

Higher ed delivers strong ROI for recent grads

For many grads, success means putting their degrees to work

Of grads are employed

Work in their field of study

Planning ahead pays off

Recent grads who reported feeling successful took active steps to plan ahead before enrolling:

• 93% discussed college costs, 65% discussed applying for federal aid (FAFSA®) before enrolling
• 88% discussed college applications and selection with family
• 80% had a career goal in mind
• 64% developed a full college payment plan

Successful graduates maximized their college resources

Fewer than four in 10 recent grads used their school’s career resources, but those who did were more likely to land a job in their field

Took advantage of their school’s career resources

Used career resources and secured a first job in their field