Got told 2 weeks after interview that I came across as "money-oriented" by a company which gives a graduate salary which is 25% above average. They thought I'd only do what they told me to do and nothing more.

Sure, that's why I've achieved 15% above a first throughout my degree whilst not being paid a penny: I'm lazy and in it for the money.

The main reason I wanna be paid well is so that I'm less likely to be surrounded by people who aren't that committed to doing a good job. And if I am surrounded by slackers, at least I got some cash to wipe my tears with. If that makes me "money-oriented" then I'm stuck for ideas.