* Data Collection Challenges: Tracking employment and wages of all recent college graduates is a complex undertaking. Surveys often have limitations in sample size and may not capture the entire population.
* Definition of "Minimum Wage": Minimum wage varies by location (state and even sometimes city). A graduate paid slightly above the minimum wage in one area might be considered minimum wage in another.
* Temporary or Part-Time Employment: Many recent graduates may accept temporary or part-time positions, even if their education and skills qualify them for higher pay, while seeking full-time employment in their field. This makes it hard to determine if their initial minimum wage employment is truly representative of their post-college earning potential.
* Self-Employment: Some graduates immediately start their own businesses, making their income reporting and comparison to a minimum wage less clear.
While precise data is elusive, it's safe to say that the percentage is relatively low. The majority of college graduates aim for careers that offer salaries significantly above minimum wage. However, a small percentage may find themselves in entry-level positions paying near or at minimum wage, particularly those in fields with low starting salaries or those who struggle to find work in their field immediately after graduation.