Gen Z calls degrees ‘useless’—but 20 years of data tells a different story: graduates are still the least likely to be unemployed
Despite growing skepticism among Gen Z and millennials about the value of college degrees, data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that bachelor's degree holders continue to have the lowest unemployment rates. Over the past 20 years, those with degrees have consistently been less likely to be unemployed compared to those with less education. While graduates may feel underpaid and burdened by debt, they still earn significantly more and are more likely to be hired than non-graduates.
- ▪Bachelor’s degree holders have the lowest unemployment rate among all education groups for workers aged 25 and over.
- ▪Over the past 20 years, unemployment rates for college graduates have remained consistently lower than those without high school diplomas.
- ▪College graduates earn about 66% more per week than high school graduates, and top-paying jobs often require advanced degrees.
- ▪Despite some companies removing degree requirements, hiring managers often still favor candidates with degrees.
- ▪In 2006, the unemployment rate for those without a high school diploma was 6.9%, compared to 2.2% for college graduates, a gap that has persisted into 2026.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Gen Z and millennials alike have been writing off their degree as worthless. And it’s not hard to see why: Entry-level corporate jobs have been slashed, promotions are “peanuts”, and the new wave of young millionaires are trade workers turned business owners and AI entrepreneurs. Recommended Video But actually, graduates are still the least likely to be unemployed right now. Fresh data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that among workers aged 25 and over, people with a bachelor’s degree have the lowest unemployment rate of any education group. In fact, despite a third of graduates slamming their degrees as a waste of money and not financially worth it, the numbers show a pretty blunt reality: The more educated you are, the more likely you are to be in work.
…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Fortune.
Discussion
0 commentsMore from Fortune
