A Goldman Sachs analysis shows unemployment is rising faster for college-educated workers as degree-heavy industries cut jobs. The report says stalled hiring, not AI, is the main cause.
More students are choosing community college and short-term credentials over four-year degrees as costs rise and job prospects soften. New federal student loan caps and expanded Pell eligibility starting in mid-2026 could speed up the "un-college" shift.
A new "do no harm" rule in Republicans' "big, beautiful bill" could cut off federal loans for college programs whose graduates earn less than high school graduates. An HEA Group analysis estimates about 2% of programs are at risk, affecting roughly 40,000 students in July.
