What the Tough Job Market for New College Grads Says About the Economy

If You're Struggling to Find a Job After College, You're Not Alone

The job market for recent college graduates is the worst it’s been in decades—outside of the 2008 financial crisis and the pandemic. According to new data from the Federal Reserve, the unemployment rate for college graduates ages 22 to 27 hit 5.8% in early 2025, compared to 4.2% for the general population. A separate analysis from Fortune found the rate for recent grads has hovered near 6.6% over the past 12 months—well above average and a clear…

What the Tough Job Market for New College Grads Says About the Economy

A sudden lack of career mobility is a problem for every worker.

Why recent college grads might want to look for jobs in smaller metros

Job-hunting grads may want to rethink big cities, The Wall Street Journal writes.  A new ADP study suggests that smaller metros like Raleigh, North Carolina; Baltimore; Austin, Texas; Birmingham, Alabama; and Milwaukee offer stronger prospects for recent college graduates, thanks to better hiring rates, decent salaries and lower living costs.  Researchers analyzed payroll data for over 5 million young workers, adjusting wages for affordability a…