Simple to put graduates in charge (5)
I believe the answer is:
basic
'simple' is the definition.
(similar in meaning)
'graduates in charge' is the wordplay.
'graduates' becomes 'BAs' (people with Bachelor of Arts degrees).
'in charge' becomes 'ic' (abbreviation for 'in charge').
'bas'+'ic'='BASIC'
'to put' acts as a link.
(Other definitions for basic that I've seen before include "No-frills" , "Popular programming language" , "Simple - computer language" , "Fundamental instruction's" , "Fundamental, forming a starting point" .)