Hiring is flat for Class of 2026 college grads
Our Job Outlook 2026 report shows a cautious recruiting landscape, where employer hiring plans for new college graduates appear to be leveling off.
Employers continue to value hands-on experience, internships, and career-readiness skills, even as trends like skills-based hiring and AI reshape the entry-level job market.
About the Job Outlook 2026 Survey
The annual Job Outlook survey is a forecast of employer’s hiring intentions of new college graduates. Data for the Job Outlook 2026 survey were collected from August 7, 2025, through September 22, 2025. Data are calculated based on the number of respondents to each specific question. Totals may not equal 100% due to rounding.
NACE expects to provide a formal job market update during the 2025-26 academic year. Based on data collected in February and March, the Job Outlook 2026 Spring Update report will provide a final update on hiring for 2025-26 graduates. The results will be available in early April.