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

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?