Fact Check: Unemployment for degree holders ages 22-27 is now 5.8%, above the national rate.

Fact Check: "Unemployment for degree holders ages 22-27 is now 5.8%, above the national rate."

What We Know

The claim states that the unemployment rate for degree holders aged 22-27 is currently 5.8%, which is above the national unemployment rate. According to a report from the New York Federal Reserve, the unemployment rate for recent college graduates reached 5.8% in the first quarter of 2025, marking the highest level since 2021. This suggests that the claim may be accurate for that specific demographic.

However, the national unemployment rate is reported to be around 4.2% as of May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This indicates that the unemployment rate for degree holders in the specified age group is indeed higher than the national average.

Analysis

The evidence supporting the claim comes from multiple sources. The New York Federal Reserve provides specific data on the unemployment rate for college graduates, confirming the 5.8% figure. This source is credible as it is a respected institution that conducts economic research and analysis.

On the other hand, the national unemployment rate is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, which is the primary source for labor statistics in the United States. The BLS is widely regarded as a reliable source for employment data, making its statistics trustworthy.

However, while the claim appears to be accurate based on these sources, it is important to note that the context of the unemployment rate can vary significantly based on economic conditions, geographic location, and other factors. The report from the Associated Press also highlights that the unemployment rate for this demographic is the highest it has been in over a decade, which adds weight to the claim's validity.

Nevertheless, the claim lacks a comprehensive view of the broader labor market trends affecting this age group and does not specify the time frame for the reported unemployment rate, which could lead to misinterpretation.

Conclusion

Verdict: Needs Research

While the claim that "unemployment for degree holders ages 22-27 is now 5.8%, above the national rate" is supported by credible sources, further research is needed to contextualize this data. The claim does not provide a complete picture of the labor market for this demographic, nor does it address the potential implications of these unemployment figures. Additional data on trends, geographic variations, and economic conditions would enhance the understanding of this claim.

Sources

1. Unemployment rates for people 25 years and older by educational attainment
2. CPS Home : U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
3. The unemployment rate for young college graduates worries many ...
4. How unemployment is measured? -ForumIAS Blog
5. The Labor Market for Recent College Graduates
6. Present Status of Unemployment In India – Explained Pointwise
7. Unemployment
8. College grads face toughest job market in 10+ years as hiring slows