The college degree trap: Why US graduates are struggling in a workforce that no longer waits

College degrees no longer guarantee career stability or upward mobility. Unemployment among graduates aged 22–27 has surged, while entry-level roles vanish, replaced by positions demanding prior experience. Underemployment, early-career layoffs, and AI-driven automation are reshaping the labor market. For Gen Z, success now depends on adaptable skills, alternative learning pathways, and building a professional brand beyond formal qualifications.