NACE Journal

CONTACT: CONTACT:      , 610.625.1039; , 610.625.1021 SUBJECT: Beyond the Paycheck: What the Class of 2026 Really Wants From an Employer BETHLEHEM, PA—With economic uncertainty and a job market that is in flux, it’s no surprise that Class of 2026 college graduates are searching for jobs that offer stability, support, and room to grow, according to new research from the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE).

CONTACT: , 610.625.1039; , 610.625.1021 SUBJECT: More Than Two Out of Five of College Class of 2026 Had a Job Offer in Hand by Graduation BETHLEHEM, PA—More than two out of five new college graduates (44%) had at least one job offer before graduation, according to a new study conducted by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE). NACE’s annual Student Survey found that, overall, 2026 bachelor’s degree graduates averaged 0.79 job offers before graduating.

CONTACT: , 610.625.1039; , 610.625.1021 SUBJECT: Skills-Based Hiring Wave Sparks College Student Resume Upgrades BETHLEHEM, PA—College students’ growing familiarity with skills-based hiring is showing up on their resumes as students are more apt to include the key skills employers value, according to results of a recent survey from the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE).

CONTACT: , 610.625.1039; , 610.625.1021 SUBJECT: Employers Give New College Grads a Passing Grade on Job Readiness BETHLEHEM, PA—Overall, employers feel that new college graduates are reasonably well prepared for the jobs they will enter after graduation, according to a new report from the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE).

Ready or Reluctant? Employer Expectations for AI Skills Meet Student Skepticism BETHLEHEM, PA—Employers increasingly report that AI skills are important for recent college graduates. At the same time, however, there is growing evidence of Gen Z’s resistance to AI, according to research conducted by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE).

CONTACT: , 610.625.1039; , 610.625.1021 SUBJECT: Outlook Brightens for College Class of 2026 Entry-Level Hiring BETHLEHEM, PA—Employers expect to increase their new college graduate hiring from the Class of 2026 by 5.6%,* according to a new report from the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE). Shawn VanDerziel, NACE president and chief executive officer, said the anticipated gain in hiring for the Class of 2026 bucks recent trends in the job market for new college graduates.

CONTACT: , 610.625.1039; , 610.625.1021 SUBJECT: The High-Impact Skills College Students Should Showcase on Their Resumes BETHLEHEM, PA—New college graduates hoping to catch the eye of employers for entry-level jobs should provide evidence of the skills and abilities they have developed on their resumes, according to a new report from the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE).

Employers seeking entry-level hires look at resumes for evidence for a host of skills and abilities, according to results of NACE’s Job Outlook 2026 Spring Update survey. Chief among these are the ability to work in a team, problem-solve, and communicate effectively, but their “wish list” is extensive, with more than half of respondents citing 10+ skills. (See Figure 1.) Show—Don’t Just Tell It is not enough, however, for candidates to list their skills: Employers want to see examples.

Not all college students fit the same mold as an 18-year-old navigating dorm life, exploring their interests, and preparing themselves for their career. Some are returning learners or professionals pursuing advanced degrees while balancing work, family, and other responsibilities. These students can bring different perspectives and priorities that shape their engagement with coursework, skill development, and career preparation.

Hiring Flat for the College Class of 2026 Hiring Flat for the College Class of 2026 BETHLEHEM, PA—Reflecting an uncertain job market for college graduates, employers are projecting just a 1.6% increase in hiring for the Class of 2026 when compared to the Class of 2025, according to results of a new report from the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE).