Archive · 19 Aug 2025
U.S. Graduate Unemployment Hits Highest Level in 37 Years
It's getting harder for new college graduates in the U.S. to find their first jobs.
Recent data shows that unemployment among these graduates is the highest it's been in nearly four decades.
This means a larger percentage of people entering the job market are struggling to get hired compared to the past.
While overall unemployment isn't very high, people without jobs are finding it tougher to get new ones.
Even those with college degrees are facing challenges, with their unemployment rates similar to the early 2010s.
Plus, more people are staying unemployed for a long time.
Graduate unemployment in the U.S. is at a 37-year high.
13.4% of unemployed Americans in July were new to the workforce.
This is the highest share of new entrants since 1988.
Unemployment for young college graduates is also rising.
Long-term unemployment is increasing.
- Who
- Recent school and college graduates and young Americans.
- What
- Graduate unemployment in the U.S. has reached a 37-year high.
- When
- July (specific data).
- Where
- United States
- Why
- Cautious employers due to economic uncertainty.
- Unemployment Rate of New Entrants
- 13.4% (July)
- Highest Level Since
- 1988
- Overall Unemployment Rate
- 4.2%
- Age Group (College Degree)
- 22-27 years old
- Long-term Unemployment
- 25.2% of total unemployed