How Gen Z is Reshaping the College Years
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How Gen Z Is Reshaping The College Years

Nearly 9 in 10 Gen Z college grads considered job availability before selecting a major.
With unemployment at the lowest since 1969, why is the youngest generation so concerned about employability?

The Future Of Work: Looking Beyond Unemployment

In May 2023, 339,000 new jobs were created
In April 2023, unemployment in the US fell to 3.4%, down from 3.7% a year earlier


For those 20 and older, unemployment is similar:

  • Men: 3.5%
  • Women: 3.3%

The fastest-growing industries in 2023 include:

  • Shipping and Delivery Services
  • Healthcare
  • Hospitality
  • Online Retail
  • Artificial Intelligence

Average Weekly Wages in 2023

  • Full-time workers age 25 and over without a high school diploma: $682 
  • Full-time workers age 25 and over with a high school diploma: $884 
  • Full-time workers age 25 and over with a bachelor’s degree: $1,621 
  • Highest-earning male full-time workers with a graduate degree: $5,007 
  • Highest-earning female full-time workers with a graduate degree: $3,426 

Nearly 38 million American workers are living at or below the poverty level. 

As Gen Z reaches adulthood, they’re looking for a better future, and 82% think college is the way to get there

Scholarship Before Work: Doing College Differently

By 2028, Gen Z will make up nearly a quarter of the workforce
But today, 12.6% are unemployed
And fewer teens are looking for work than ever before

Labor Force Participation Rate, Ages 16-19

2001: 49.6%
2021: 36.2% 2024

By 2031, it is expected this figure will drop to a low of 29.7% 

Gen Z Doesn’t Bother With Summer Gigs

Most teens aren’t looking for summer jobs or after school employment

As a bachelor’s degree becomes almost essential to a good career, more teens are spending their summers in school

College Enrollment Rate of 18- to 24-year-olds: 38%

Rising student debt has made Gen Z wary — Most want to know they’re getting their money’s worth before they enroll.

Gen Z: It’s All About Employment

Gen Z is on course to become the most educated and most entrepreneurial generation

  • 92% expect to work for less than 6 employers in their lifetime
  • 60% plan to start a business one day
  • 38% plan to pursue an advanced degree
  • Yet, nearly all consider employability before selecting a major
  • Many ask about graduates’ starting salaries when selecting a school
  • 44% start their job search before their senior year
  • 2 in 3 Gen Z students are confident they’ll receive a job offer soon after graduation — For some majors, it’s even higher

Will Gen Z’s bet on education pay off?

How Gen Z is Reshaping College