The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 5 letter word GRADS
G
R
A
D
S
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "They’ll have passed finals" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case they’ll have passed finals = grads.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does GRADS mean?
GRADS noun- A type of Soviet artillery multiple rocket launcher, or a rocket fired by this.
- A unit of angle equal to 0.9 degrees, so that there are 100 gradians in a right angle.
- A person who is recognized by a university as having completed the requirements of a degree studied at the institution.
- A person who is recognized by a high school as having completed the requirements of a course of study at the school.
- A person who is recognized as having completed any level of education.
- A graduated (marked) cup or other container, thus fit for measuring.
- The action or process of graduating and receiving a diploma for completing a course of study (such as from an educational institution).
- A commencement ceremony.
- A marking (e.g., on a container) indicating a measurement, usually one of many such markings that are each separated by a constant interval.
- The exposure of a liquid in large surfaces to the air, so as to hasten its evaporation.