Do Most College Attendees Really Expect a Six Figure Salary After Graduation?

I've been talking with some friends, and it seems like everyone expects to make six figures right out of college. Is this common thinking, or just my circle of friends? What's a realistic expectation for a salary range after graduating from college?

While it's true that some graduates might earn six-figure incomes right out of college, particularly those in competitive fields like tech or finance, it's not typical for most graduates. The expectation of a six-figure salary right after graduation is more an exception than the rule.

The average salary a recent college graduate can expect to make often depends highly on their major. For example, according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), the average starting salary for Class of 2020 graduates was $55,260. This figure can fluctuate broadly depending on the major and industry. For instance, those with an engineering degree might land jobs with higher starting salaries, averaging around $71,088, while those majoring in the humanities or social sciences might expect to make around $51,395.

Geographical location and cost of living can also impact starting salaries. A job in a major city like New York or San Francisco might pay more than a similar job in a smaller market due to the higher cost of living in those areas.

It's crucial to manage your salary expectations in line with both industry standards and your own qualifications and experiences. Remember, your first job out of college is typically a starting point, and with experience and further skills development, you can expect your salary to grow over time.

Seeing friends with high expectations can be daunting, but it's always beneficial to ground your assumptions in facts and statistics to gain an accurate perspective.