50% of American college graduates work in jobs that do not require a degree

A college degree cannot guarantee a high-paying job.

If American college graduates land their first job in a low-paying field or one that doesn’t match their interests, they risk getting stuck in that job, according to a new report from two labor research organizations: The Burning Glass Institute and the Strada Institute for the Future of Work.

The study results come as more Americans are skeptical about the value of college degrees and employers are less likely to require higher education.

“In today’s economy , 50 percent of college graduates in the United States find jobs without a bachelor’s degree,” Matt Sigelman, CEO of The Burning Glass, told CBS on February 22.

Jobs that don't require college degrees include positions in retail, hospitality and manufacturing, according to Sigelman.

Recruitment billboard outside a coffee shop in New York City, USA

Another study by the US university education consulting firm HEA Group shows that 10 years after graduating from university, 1 in 4 people earn less than 32,000 USD/year. This is the average annual income of workers who only graduated from high school.

That said, research shows that a college degree is not a ticket to a higher-paying job. Sigelman notes that the biggest determinant of job prospects after college is the major a student chooses.

For example, in contrast to criminal justice, nursing offers better employment opportunities for college graduates. Nursing graduates are employed in the profession they studied and are paid a salary commensurate with their skills. Figures show that only 23% of nursing graduates are underemployed, compared to 68% of those in criminal justice.

Studies also show that focusing on science , technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields does not necessarily guarantee university graduates jobs and high salaries.

Experts say there are other ways to make a college degree a worthwhile investment and advance your career. Specifically, students can make an effort to find an internship during their college studies. This will reduce the risk of not finding a suitable job in their major after graduating from college by 50%.

“Sticking to a job in the field you want to work in also increases your chances of landing a high-paying position,” Sigelman notes. “Moving forward can be difficult if you don’t start your career off right.”

College graduates who take jobs that don't require a degree risk getting stuck in that job.

Stuck in a job that doesn't require a college degree

Additionally, studies show that many students fail to find suitable employment years after graduating from college.

The reason may be that employers consider candidates' recent work experience more than their qualifications.

“For example, if you graduate and work as a waiter in a restaurant for a few years and then apply for jobs that require a college degree, employers will look at your restaurant experience and see no relevance to the position,” Sigelman said.

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