Nearly 90% of the college Class of 2024 indicated that their institution prepared them for the next step in their career, according to results of NACE’s 2024 Student Survey.

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.

This overall result is 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.

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. Among those using the career center, resume help (63.7%), job search assistance (26.4%), and help with a search for an intern/co-op (25.8%) were the most frequently cited services.

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.