Great Lakes Wire

ASE, one of the nation's longstanding employer associations, has published its 2025 Starting Salaries for Co-op Students and Recent College Graduates Survey. The annual report examines wages and benefits for co-op students and recent graduates, offering insights into recruitment and retention trends.

Key findings from the survey include a reduction in companies increasing rates for co-op or intern students, with only 40% doing so this year compared to 51% last year. Additionally, 66% of respondents reported hiring or planning to hire recent college graduates in 2025, a decrease from 72% in 2023.

The University of Michigan-Ann Arbor tops the list of institutions where survey respondents actively recruit, followed by Michigan State University and others. The most valued skills during hiring are computer skills, related coursework, and degree level.

A significant portion of employers (78%) do not provide benefits to co-ops or interns. Among those who do offer benefits, medical coverage is provided by 40%, paid holidays by 60%, paid sick days by 40%, and tuition assistance by 60%.

Electrical Engineering offers the highest average starting salary at $77,471. Mechanical Engineering follows with $75,362 and Manufacturing Engineering at $73,570. In non-technical fields, HR/Labor Relations average $62,394 while Communications stands at $46,337.

Mary E. Corrado, ASE President and CEO noted: “The ASE 2025 Starting Salaries Survey highlights a shifting landscape for new graduates..."

This year's survey involved participation from 138 organizations across Michigan. Organizations with up to 100 employees formed about 36% of the sample size. Durable goods manufacturing was prominently represented among industries surveyed.

The full survey is accessible for free to ASE members through their library but costs apply for non-members.