Why a College Degree No Longer Guarantees a Good Job

In the past, a college degree was considered a secure path to success and a key part of the American Dream. But is that still the case? Recent experiences of college graduates, especially student-athletes juggling academics and sports, have raised concerns about whether a university diploma is still the best route to professional success.

Take, for example, recent graduate Lohanny Santo, who gained viral attention on TikTok after sharing her frustration over her inability to secure even a minimum-wage job, despite holding dual degrees from Pace University and speaking three languages. John York, a 24-year-old with a master’s in math from New York University, also shared similar sentiments, writing that his job applications feel like “screaming into the void.”

According to the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis (FRED), the unemployment rate for recent college graduates with a bachelor’s degree hit 6.1% in May, an increase from 4.4% in April. The situation is even worse for those with a master’s degree, where unemployment reaches 7.2%. At the same time, the underemployment rate for recent graduates rose to 41.2%, as reported by the New York Federal Reserve.

Despite a steady national unemployment rate of 4.2%, recent graduates with higher degrees are facing an increasingly challenging job market. Oxford Economics reports that this marks the first time in 45 years that those with higher education face a higher unemployment rate than the national average. This shift highlights the growing mismatch between the skills that graduates are bringing to the workforce and the jobs that are actually available.

For student-athletes who dedicate countless hours to both academics and sports, this trend can be especially discouraging. While many are accustomed to the discipline and perseverance required to succeed in sports, applying that same mindset to the job search is now more important than ever.

There are several reasons behind this rise in unemployment and underemployment among recent college graduates. First, there is a declining number of entry-level positions. Handshake, a campus recruiting platform, reports a 15% drop in job postings for 2025 graduates, while the number of applicants for each position has increased by 30%. Economic uncertainty, driven by factors like inflation and the ongoing political climate, has led to businesses pulling back on hiring.

A significant factor impacting the job market is the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), particularly in the STEM fields where many student-athletes might have pursued careers. The very technology that has attracted so many graduates to fields like computer science is now replacing jobs that were once secure. The entry-level positions in fields such as computer engineering and physics are at high risk of automation, leaving many young workers scrambling to find opportunities that match their qualifications.

Despite these challenges, student-athletes and recent graduates must remain flexible and open to new career paths. While the traditional college-to-career path may no longer be as reliable, there are still opportunities in skilled trades, such as plumbing, electrical work, and carpentry. These professions offer steady work and competitive wages, making them viable alternatives for those looking to build a secure future.

In the face of these challenges, the message is clear for student-athletes: a college degree is not the only way to secure a successful career. Embracing adaptability, exploring different career options, and continuously learning new skills will be key to finding professional fulfillment in the years to come.