4 in 10 US grads struggle to find relevant jobs: The growing crisis of underemployment in America

4 in 10 US grads struggle to find relevant jobs: The growing crisis of underemployment in America

4 in 10 US grads struggle to find relevant jobs: The growing crisis of underemployment in America
Underemployment Crisis: 40% of US Grads Struggling to Find Relevant Jobs (Getty Images)

underemployment is becoming a significant issue for many US college graduates. While higher education promises better career prospects, new data from the Degreechoices research group reveals that around four in ten recent grads find themselves in jobs that don’t require their degree. This growing problem underscores the mismatch between the education system and the current job market.

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For many, the reality is far from the expectations set during their years of study. With the rising cost of college, which averages about $35,000 per year, many students graduate burdened with debt only to find themselves working in roles unrelated to their field of study. As reported by Forbesthis trend of underemployment is increasingly prevalent, with many graduates settling for jobs they could have secured without a degree.
The Impact of Underemployment
Underemployment occurs when graduates are employed in positions that don’t require their qualifications or skills. This is particularly concerning when you consider that the average time to earn a degree is over five years. As reported by Forbesonly 62% of students manage to complete their degrees within six years. This delay, combined with the increasing financial burden, makes it harder for graduates to secure jobs aligned with their qualifications.
Moreover, the situation is worsening for those who do graduate. “The job market is evolving, but the education system is struggling to keep pace,” said a higher education expert in an interview with ForbesWith fewer people seeing college as a guaranteed path to success, attitudes are shifting, particularly among younger generations. According to Forbes, two-thirds of Gen Z believe they don’t need a college degree to thrive in today’s economy. This skepticism is indicative of a broader reassessment of higher education’s value.
Degrees that lead to underemployment
While some degrees guarantee more promising outcomes, others contribute significantly to the underemployment crisis. According to data from Degreechoices, here are five degrees with the highest underemployment rates:
• Criminal Justice – 71.5% underemployment
• Performing Arts – 65.9% underemployment
• Art History – 62.3% underemployment
• Leisure and Hospitality – 57.6% underemployment
• Liberal Arts – 56.7% underemployment
In contrast, fields with lower underemployment rates provide more promising career prospects. According to Degreechoices, the following five degrees have some of the lowest underemployment rates:
• Nursing – 11.1% underemployment
• Special Education – 12.1% underemployment
• Computer Engineering – 13.3% underemployment
• Elementary Education – 13.5% underemployment
• Civil Engineering – 15.9% underemployment
Rethinking Higher Education
In response to this crisis, education experts suggest a shift toward alternative career paths, such as trade schools, apprenticeships, and specialized training programs. Forbes highlights that with the rise of skills-based hiring, college may no longer be the only route to career success. As this trend grows, the future of education in the US will likely involve a more diverse mix of options tailored to the changing needs of the workforce.
The underemployment issue is not just about the degree; it’s about how well our education system aligns with the demands of the modern job market. As this crisis deepens, it’s clear that solutions need to be found to bridge the gap between education and employment.

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