Class of 2024 Graduates Say College Prepared Them Well for Their Careers

BETHLEHEM, PA—Nearly 90% of the college Class of 2024 reported that their institution prepared them for the next step in their career, according to a new study conducted by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE).

In fact, 57% characterized their institution as preparing them very or extremely well—up from 53.5% for the Class of 2023 and 51% for the Class of 2022. In addition, 89% agree that their degree is relevant to the position that they have accepted.

“These overall results are likely driven, at least in part, by the high percentages of graduates who recognized the value of participating in experiential learning opportunities and using the career center,” says Shawn VanDerziel, NACE’s president and chief executive officer.

Eighty-six percent of Class of 2024 graduates participated in some form of experiential learning—such as internships, co-ops, practicums, or on-campus work—during their college tenure as a whole. Internships were the most popular experience: More than two-thirds (67%) of graduating seniors said they took part in at least one internship; of those, 57% were paid.

Overall, 80% of students were satisfied with their internship experience, and nearly two-thirds (64%) said they were at least somewhat likely to accept a full-time position with their experiential learning employer, if offered.

In addition, close to 60% of graduating students used the career center at some point during their college career. Those using the career center cited resume help (63.7%), job search assistance (26.4%), and help with a search for an intern/co-op (25.8%) as the services they sought most.

“These results underscore the value of higher education in preparing our workforce,” VanDerziel says.

About the 2024 Student Survey: NACE’s 2024 Student Survey, sponsored by Indeed, was conducted March 13 through May 15, 2024; a total of 20,482 college students took part, including 2,281 graduating seniors earning bachelor’s degrees. A report and dashboard featuring results for the Class of 2024 will be available in the fall.

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 12,300 college career services professionals, more than 4,000 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