A recent national report indicates the job market for new college graduates is the weakest it has been in five years, creating concern among students. However, officials at Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) state that their graduates are well-positioned for success, citing a focus on practical experience and in-demand fields that counters the broader trend.
The report, highlighted by Forbes magazine, found that less than a third of the class of 2025 have secured entry-level jobs in their chosen fields, attributing the difficult market to economic pressures and the rise of artificial intelligence.
Key Takeaways
- The job market for new college graduates is at a five-year low, according to the Cengage Group’s 2025 Graduate Employability Report.
- Only 30% of 2025 graduates and 41% of 2024 graduates found entry-level jobs in their respective fields.
- Eastern Kentucky University President Dr. David McFaddin believes EKU graduates are better prepared due to hands-on experience and programs in high-demand sectors.
- Students are encouraged to focus on their skills and remain persistent in their job search despite the challenging national outlook.
A Challenging National Outlook for Graduates
Recent data paints a difficult picture for students nearing graduation across the country. The Cengage Group’s 2025 Graduate Employability Report, recently featured in Forbes, reveals a significant downturn in hiring for entry-level positions.
The study highlights a sharp decline in employment success for recent alumni. The findings show that only 30% of college graduates from the class of 2025 have successfully found an entry-level job within their area of study. This figure is slightly better for the class of 2024, with 41% securing relevant employment.
Graduate Employment by the Numbers
According to the Cengage Group report:
- 30% of 2025 graduates have secured entry-level jobs in their field.
- 41% of 2024 graduates found jobs in their field.
- This marks a five-year low for graduate employment prospects.
Experts cite several factors contributing to this trend. A tight job market, combined with broader economic pressures, has led many companies to scale back on hiring new talent. Additionally, the rapid integration of artificial intelligence into various industries is reshaping the demand for certain entry-level roles.
Eastern Kentucky University's Perspective
Despite the concerning national statistics, leaders at Eastern Kentucky University express confidence in their students' ability to navigate the current job market. EKU President Dr. David McFaddin argues that the broad report does not accurately reflect the outcomes for EKU graduates, often referred to as "Colonels."
McFaddin emphasizes that EKU’s educational model goes beyond traditional classroom learning. He points to the university's focus on experiential learning as a key differentiator that prepares students for the workforce.
"It’s not just the transcript that says this is what I know. You’ve had an internship, a co-op opportunity to show what you can do, and think that positions a lot of our graduates for not that entry-level job but perhaps for a job at a higher level because of the experiences that they’ve had in their college time," said President McFaddin.
This approach, he suggests, provides students with a practical resume and a proven track record of skills, making them more competitive candidates. The goal is to equip them not just with knowledge, but with tangible proof of their capabilities.
Focusing on In-Demand Fields and Transferable Skills
A core part of EKU's strategy involves aligning its academic programs with current workforce needs. President McFaddin identified several majors at the university that feed directly into high-demand sectors of the economy.
EKU's High-Demand Programs
The university offers degrees in fields with strong employment outlooks, including:
- Manufacturing
- Aviation
- Nursing
- Teaching
- Justice and Safety
Beyond specific degrees, McFaddin also stressed the importance of transferable skills that are valuable across all industries. He believes that abilities such as critical thinking, collaborative teamwork, and complex problem-solving are what employers are actively seeking.
"I don’t think that it is a linear experience that I’ve got a degree in engineering, and therefore, there’s not an engineering job, there’s not an opportunity for me," McFaddin explained. "I think the skills and the ability you bring from that experience will help you make an organization better."
This viewpoint suggests that the value of a degree lies not just in the subject matter, but in the intellectual framework it provides, allowing graduates to adapt and contribute to any organization.
Student Confidence and Advice
The national report has not gone unnoticed by students. Emily Kessler, a junior at EKU scheduled to graduate next fall, is aware of the challenging statistics. Aspiring to become a news reporter, she remains optimistic about her future.
"I have faith in myself because I know my abilities, I know my professors, I know my education, I know what I’m good at," Kessler stated. Her confidence is rooted in the skills she has developed during her time at the university.
She believes the key is finding the right opportunity. "I know what I can do, so I do have the skills to work in the media field and in the newsroom. It’s just finding a newsroom that would be willing to take on people and be willing to work with me," she added.
Kessler also offered advice to her peers who may be discouraged by the job market reports. Her message is one of persistence and self-belief.
"Don’t give up, do not give up, keep trying, keep looking, just because you can’t get a job right after graduation doesn’t mean it’s over for you."
President McFaddin concluded by acknowledging that higher education as a whole has a responsibility to better communicate the long-term value of a college degree to the public. He believes that demonstrating the success and adaptability of graduates is essential in today's economic climate.
