To say there's a gap between expectation and reality might be a bit of an understatement.

Answer: Around $30,000

• Expectation: $85,000
• Actual Average: $56,000

Questions:

1. Did you have an estimate of how much you thought you’d make before you read these answers? If so, how did it compare to college students’ expectations and the actual average?
2. When it comes to starting salaries, why do you think the expectations of college students and the actual average are so far apart?
3. What are some potential consequences you can think of when a college graduate’s salary expectations aren’t in-line with reality?
4. What can you do to make sure you prepare for how much money you will make when you start your first job after graduating?

Here are the ready-to-go slides for this Question of the Day that you can use in your classroom.

Behind the numbers (CNBC):

"New college graduates negotiating their first salary may be in for a rude awakening.

In the midst of a historically strong job market, characterized by low unemployment, rising wages and a high degree of job-seeker confidence, those armed with a degree are feeling relatively good about their earning potential.

In fact, today’s undergraduates expect to make about $84,855 one year after graduation, according to a survey of college students by Real Estate Witch, part of real estate site Clever, in March.

Yet, the average starting salary for recent graduates is just shy of $56,000, Real Estate Witch found, a difference of nearly $30,000."

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For more resources related to career planning, check out NGPF's Career unit.

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About the Author

Ryan Wood

Ryan is the Partnerships and Adoption Manager for Next Gen Personal Finance’s midwest region. He brings his experience as a former teacher, curriculum designer, and sales and marketing professional to state organizations and school districts in supporting the implementation of their personal financial education efforts. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay and earned his teaching credential from Saint Mary’s University in Winona, Minnesota. He proudly taught at two rural high schools in Wisconsin before transitioning to curriculum design at NGPF, and is now excited to be on the front lines in delivering the best possible financial education in the midwest. He and his wife have three beautiful daughters, each of which inspire him to share the impact of being sound financial stewards both at home and as lifelong learners.

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