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Recent research indicates that recent graduates find negotiating salaries more daunting than romantic breakups, as revealed by a survey involving 2,000 individuals who completed higher education in 2024 and 2025. The survey highlighted that 54% of respondents considered salary negotiation more stressful, compared to 39% who felt that way about relationship breakups. Additionally, recent graduates grappled with complexities of adult responsibilities; notably, 52% believed filing taxes was more challenging than assembling IKEA furniture, while a significant portion struggled with financial literacy. Only 35% of graduates had successfully created and adhered to a budget, with even fewer having written checks or balanced their checkbooks.
The anxiety surrounding the transition into adulthood is further evidenced by graduates’ concerns about their future. The survey indicated that 71% felt apprehensive when crossing the graduation stage, with less than half (42%) feeling “very sure” about their post-graduation plans. However, a year into their careers, 66% of 2024 graduates affirmed that their life trajectory aligned with their expectations, and 71% reported that the year following graduation was more positive than anticipated. This suggests a potential disconnect between graduates’ initial concerns and the reality they faced in the workforce.
Despite these developments, 2025 graduates expressed a sense of preparedness regarding mental readiness for post-college life, with 82% feeling mentally equipped versus 63% who felt financially ready. Gender disparities emerged, revealing that a greater number of male graduates felt “very prepared” financially compared to their female counterparts (39% vs. 27%). Cost played a significant role in educational decisions, as 49% of respondents highlighted it as a “very big impact” factor influencing their choice of institution, with 76% believing that their educational journey would differ significantly if costs had been lower.
The survey shed light on the priorities of recent graduates, revealing that landing a job in their sector was the top concern for 47% of respondents, followed by the imperative to save money (36%). Notably, 29% expressed that their priority was simply to secure any job that would suffice to cover their bills. Graduates from four-year colleges and master’s programs reported feeling better prepared for budgeting than those from two-year colleges or trade schools, highlighting an educational disparity in financial preparedness.
Men exhibited greater confidence in their budgeting and investing abilities than women, with 58% of men feeling prepared to budget compared to 48% of women, and 35% of men confident in investing versus only 21% of women. Jeni Izuel, Vice President of the Chime Scholars Foundation, emphasized starting with financial basics, suggesting that evaluating income, expenses, and potential savings could significantly bolster financial readiness.
The survey also illuminated the primary concerns of recent graduates: obtaining a job in their respective fields (44%), managing student debt (35%), and ensuring monthly bill payments (33%) topped the list. These financial aspects overshadowed social anxieties, such as making new friends (11%) and being away from familiar support systems (9%). This reflects a generation primarily focused on financial stability and professional success amid a challenging economic landscape.
