The unemployment rate for recent U.S. college graduates (age
The unemployment rate for recent U.S. college graduates (ages 22-27 with a bachelor’s degree or higher) was 5.8 percent in March 2025, the highest since 2012, excluding the COVID-19 pandemic period, and above the national unemployment rate of 4.2 percent. This rate has risen from 4.8 percent in January 2025, reflecting a tough job market for young graduates, particularly in fields like tech, where AI is reducing entry-level opportunities.
Underemployment is also significant, with 41.2 percent of recent graduates in jobs not requiring a degree in Q1 2025, up from 2021 levels. Unemployment varies by major, with Fine Arts (12.1 percent ) and Anthropology (9.4 percent) facing the highest rates, while Earth Sciences (1.5 percent ) and General Education (1.7 percent) are lower. Despite challenges, college graduates still earn a median of $52,000 annually compared to $30,000 for high school graduates, and their unemployment rate is lower than non-graduates (8.6 percent for ages 22-27).
The job market is cooling, with hiring rates dropping to 2014 levels and tech sector weaknesses impacting fields like computer science. Internships reduce underemployment by about 49 percent , particularly for Black graduates. Economic uncertainty, including tariff policies and AI adoption, is contributing to these trends.
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