A discrepancy exists between what recent graduates expect to make when entering the workforce and what they actually end up earning, according to research released today by staffing firm LaSalle Network.

The survey also found 48% of recent graduates are open to temporary and temporary-to-permanent roles.

Current unemployed recent graduates expected to make more than those currently employed.

• Twenty-seven percent of unemployed recent graduates expected to make $51,000 to $70,000, while only 18% of employed recent grads expected to make that amount, and 81% expected to make less.
• Forty-four percent of employed recent graduates expected to make $31,000 to $40,000, while only 27% of unemployed recent grads expected to make that amount.
• Of the 18% of employed survey respondents who expected to make $51,000 to $70,000, more than half, 55%, ended up earning less in their role.

All respondents, regardless of their employment situation, ranked benefits and compensation as the most important factor when evaluating a company. Philanthropy came in last in importance when evaluating employment at a company.

The survey included about 350 respondents, including those who have graduated with a bachelor’s or associate’s degree in the last two years and those expected to graduate in May or June. Seventy-three percent of respondents are employed, and 27% are unemployed. The survey was conducted in April 2016.