Graduates Prioritize Security Over Higher Salaries

Monster's 2026 State of the Graduate Report (published April 2, 2026) finds 67% of new graduates would accept lower pay for greater long-term job security, even though 68% still name salary as their top offer criterion. The survey also shows rising anxiety about AI—nearly nine in 10 fear entry-level roles could be displaced—and signals recruiters should emphasize stability, benefits, and flexibility.