The Shrinking Pool of Entry-Level Opportunities in New York City

New York City's vibrant economy has long been a beacon for ambitious college graduates, but recent data paints a starkly different picture for entry-level positions. Between 2022 and 2024, the number of available entry-level jobs—those requiring 0-2 years of experience—plummeted by 37.4%, from 72,484 postings to just 45,354. This represents a loss of nearly 30,000 opportunities in a market already strained by post-pandemic recovery. Paid internship postings have fared no better, dropping 37.1% from pre-pandemic levels of 10,871 in 2019 to 6,839 in 2024. For City University of New York (CUNY) graduates, who make up a significant portion of the city's recent bachelor's degree recipients, this contraction hits hardest, exacerbating challenges in transitioning from campus to career.

The New York Federal Reserve reports that unemployment among recent college graduates aged 22-27 reached 5.7% in the fourth quarter of 2025, up from 5.3% earlier in the year and higher than the overall rate for non-graduates in some metrics. In NYC, where approximately 100,000 college graduates enter the workforce annually, competition is fierce, with laid-off professionals possessing 2-3 years of experience now vying for the same roles.

CUNY's Pivotal Role in New York's Workforce Pipeline

The City University of New York, the nation's largest urban public university system, enrolls over 200,000 students across 25 campuses, with a majority from low-income backgrounds. CUNY awards more than 45,000 degrees each year, including 25,000 bachelor's degrees, serving as NYC's primary engine for economic mobility. U.S. News & World Report's 2026 rankings highlight CUNY's leadership in social mobility and return on investment, with community college three-year graduation rates doubling over the past decade.

Despite these achievements, CUNY graduates often remain tethered to lower-wage sectors. Five years post-graduation, 10% of alumni (13% from community colleges) work in retail or food service, far from the professional paths promised by their degrees. In high-demand fields like business and computer science, CUNY grads earn roughly half the median wage of peers from other institutions.

Current Employment Outcomes for CUNY Graduates

Approximately two-thirds of CUNY graduates secure consistent employment within one year of graduation, but many positions fall short of a living wage in one of the most expensive cities in the U.S. While 80% stay in New York, underemployment persists, particularly in non-degree-aligned roles. Nursing, business, and engineering grads fare better, with some exceeding $100,000 five years out, yet overall outcomes lag behind national peers.

Paid internship participation stands at just 12% for undergraduates, compared to 57% nationally and 70% at NYU. Barriers include students' need to work for income (47%) and time constraints (63%). Career services face overwhelming caseloads, with some advisors serving over 1,100 students.

Factors Fueling the Entry-Level Crunch

Several forces converge to squeeze CUNY grads. NYC added only 44,200 jobs in 2025, the weakest growth since the pandemic's onset. Tech sector postings dropped 50% since 2022, while AI and automation displace routine entry-level tasks. Competition from experienced workers displaced by tech shifts adds pressure.

• Market Slowdown: Private-sector hiring at 3.3% nationally in Dec 2025, below pre-pandemic levels.
• Skills Mismatch: Employers cite gaps in professional etiquette, resumes, and technical interviews.
• Networking Deficits: Low-income students lack social capital compared to private university peers.

Employer Perspectives on Hiring CUNY Talent

Over 80 employer interviews reveal enthusiasm for CUNY's diverse talent but frustration with fragmented engagement across 25 campuses. Firms like Montefiore note skill gaps requiring residencies, while tech companies praise CUNY 2X Tech but seek more streamlined access. The New York Jobs CEO Council, with 30+ members, has hired over 9,500 CUNY grads since 2021, doubling their entry-level share. Yet, high-growth firms rarely attend career fairs dominated by government and nonprofits.

The Center for an Urban Future's detailed analysis underscores the need for a unified Hire CUNY portal.

CUNY's Strategic Responses and Initiatives

Under Chancellor Félix Matos Rodríguez, CUNY launched CUNY Beyond in October 2025, a five-year plan to embed career prep in all undergrad programs, targeting 180,000 grads annually by 2030 with job offers or acceptances. Pilots show 43% internship increases and 144% full-time job gains at graduation.

Successes include the Inclusive Economy Initiative (CIE), reaching 40 of 450 departments, and CUNY 2X Tech, lifting tech salaries from $78,000 to $92,000. The CEO Council committed to 25,000 CUNY hires by 2030.

Case Studies: Programs Bridging the Gap

CUNY 2X Tech has doubled tech placements since 2017, with completers earning 18% higher salaries. At the College of Staten Island's CIE pilot, embedded advisors boosted outcomes dramatically. Intermediaries like COOP Careers and Project Basta deliver $65,000+ starting salaries for underserved students.

Internal Challenges at CUNY

Fragmentation hinders progress: No systemwide customer relationship management (CRM), inconsistent platforms (Handshake at most but not all), and siloed services. Only 9% of departments have embedded advisors, limiting scale.

Expert Recommendations for Improvement

The CUF report outlines 14 actions, including a $25 million revolving internship fund, scaling CIE to 50% of departments, and a NYC AI Service Corps. City leaders should prioritize these in budgets to unlock $3.3 billion in wage growth.

Broader NYC Labor Market Context

NYC's 2025 job growth lagged national trends, with JOLTS data showing a 3.6% openings rate. Sectors like tech and finance contract, while public roles remain competitive (e.g., 16,000 MTA applicants for 150 spots).

Future Outlook and Actionable Insights

Optimism stems from CUNY's initiatives and employer commitments, but scaling is key amid projected 127 million national grads by 2026. Grads should leverage Handshake, seek embedded advising, build networks via CEO Council events, and pursue certifications in high-demand areas like AI. Policymakers must fund bridges to ensure CUNY's mobility promise endures.

Photo by Fotos on Unsplash

• Pursue paid internships early via CUNY 2X Tech or CIE.
• Polish resumes with career centers; practice interviews.
• Network at citywide Career Weeks.
• Explore apprenticeships for hands-on experience.