New U.S. college grads now have higher unemployment than the average worker

Article excerpt

For the first time in decades, recent college graduates face higher unemployment rates than the overall U.S. workforce, a striking reversal of the historical pattern where a degree provided reliable employment protection. The shift reflects the changing job market, where entry-level positions increasingly demand experience and specialized skills that new graduates lack. This trend raises questions about the value of a college education in an economy that has grown more competitive and credential-saturated, forcing young workers to compete for roles previously available without advanced degrees.