Dear Friends and Colleagues: 

Mixed signals are looming over the American economy, perhaps most ominously for those just starting their careers. The overall unemployment rate for recent college graduates is 5.3 percent, up from 4.3 percent in January 2024—leaving many young people disillusioned with the job market. Historically, when employers tighten their belts, recent college graduates may consider whether graduate school is a better option than looking for a job. Indeed, during economic downturns, those seeking employment have often been advised to stay in school or pursue further education. But does that conventional wisdom still hold?

Sincerely,



Jeff Strohl
Director and Co-founder

Publications

Op-Eds

How Hard Will Colleges Work for Racial Diversity?

How did the Supreme Court’s decision to ban race-conscious admissions practices affect fall 2024 enrollments at selective colleges? It depends on the school. But the one clear takeaway is that while the court made crafting a racially diverse class more difficult, it’s not impossible. Institutions must now decide how hard they are willing to work to accomplish this goal.

Graduate Debt: An Overlooked Crisis in Teacher Education

Hundreds of master’s degree programs in education leave graduates with debt that they cannot reasonably repay. While educational debt is one of many challenges teachers face, reducing or eliminating that burden could help make working in the field more financially sustainable for potential and current educators.

In the News

Graduate Programs Can Be Risky Investments, According to New Studies

Surging costs and the lack of transparency about career outcomes for graduate programs make them increasingly risky investments for individuals seeking to boost their earning potential. Read more from Forbes. 

The Good Old Days of Manufacturing Are Long Gone

The manufacturing landscape has evolved drastically over the past few decades. While there is a resurgence in manufacturing employment, it is hampered by significant challenges, including attracting and retaining qualified employees. Read more from The New York Times.

More Employers Say They Don't Care If You Went to College. Most Still Seem To

Although a growing number of employers are waiving degree requirements and adopting skills-based hiring practices, these employment opportunities account for fewer positions than those that require a bachelor’s degree. Read more from Business Insider. 

Americans Are Losing Faith in Four-Year College Degrees

Amid declining enrollment in four-year colleges, education experts point to the ongoing student debt crisis, among other factors, as a cause. However, CEW research projects that an increasing share of good jobs will go to workers with bachelor’s degrees. Read more from Financial Times. 

CEW News

Dr. Jeff Strohl Joins the Rural Impact Podcast

Director Jeff Strohl joined the Rural Impact podcast to discuss the benefits of greater investment in rural postsecondary education, training, and career counseling. Listen to the episode here.

Martin Van Der Werf Speaks at Lumina Foundation’s 2024 State Policy Retreat

Director of Education Policy and Partnerships Martin Van Der Werf attended Lumina Foundation’s 2024 State Policy Retreat: Forward Together, where he co-presented a workshop to help states organize and set new postsecondary attainment goals. More information on the convening is available here.

Artem Gulish and Catherine Morris Present at THE's Student Success US 2024 Conference

CEW’s Artem Gulish, senior federal policy advisor, and Catherine Morris, senior editor and writer, co-presented at Times Higher Education’s Student Success US 2024 conference on our report, Graduate Degrees: Risky and Unequal Paths to the Top. Find out more about the event here.

Dr. Nicole Smith Joins National Artificial Intelligence Advisory Committee Meeting

CEW’s Chief Economist Nicole Smith participated in a National Artificial Intelligence Advisory Committee briefing panel, AI and Just Transitions for American Workers. Watch the full meeting here.