EAST LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Frankie Llerandi, 21, has not secured an internship during his three years at Michigan State University. He is set to graduate in the spring with an economics degree and an interest in data analytics, yet feels that true adulthood remains distant. Many of his cousins have struggled to buy homes or start families well into their 30s.
Kira Saiti, a 19-year-old sophomore, expresses concern about global events rather than her personal future. She notes the prevalence of distressing news, including violence in the Middle East and domestic issues, which affects her outlook. "It's kind of hard to look at that and say, 'This world is a great place,'" she stated.
Julian Bautista, 20, has seen his career path in environmental work hindered by cuts during the Trump administration, leading him to consider relocating to the Netherlands for job opportunities after graduation. He perceives the current state of the U.S. as a failure of democracy, attributing this to what he views as corrupt politicians. "Throughout my life, we've either stagnated or declined, we haven't improved," Bautista said.
Many students share a sense of uncertainty about their futures, contributing to a growing discontent with the national political system, which they feel is not equipped to enhance their lives. In the 2020 election, economic concerns helped Donald Trump secure a larger share of young voters than usual, with 47% of the youth vote, according to AP VoteCast. Current anxieties include the impact of artificial intelligence and ongoing conflicts, leading to support for disruptive political candidates among college students.
Llerandi, Saiti, and Bautista back progressive Democratic candidates in Michigan, such as Abdul El-Sayed, a former public health official running for U.S. Senate, and Will Lawrence, a liberal activist challenging Republican Tom Barrett in a competitive district.
Concerns about job prospects and homeownership resonate across the campus, even among those less politically active. Praveen Amunugama, a 21-year-old biochemistry major, expressed a desire for homeownership in the future, stating, "It's just something to laugh at, but, you know, I really do want a house when I'm older."
Despite these economic anxieties, data suggests that the situation for young people may not be as dire as perceived. The unemployment rate for individuals aged 22 to 27 is 7.2%, which is higher than the overall rate of 4.1% but lower than in previous economic downturns. A 2024 study indicates that Generation Z is on track to be wealthier than millennials, who themselves are wealthier than previous generations, despite the prevailing sense of economic uncertainty.
Kevin Corinth, an economist at the American Enterprise Institute, acknowledged the angst felt by Gen Z, particularly regarding the uncertainties surrounding AI's impact on job markets and the trend of young people delaying independence and family formation. "For previous generations, if you took certain paths you were likely to succeed, to do better than your parents," he noted, adding that this is not as clear for today's youth.
Kathryn Edwards, an economist based in Texas, pointed out that the unemployment rate for recent college graduates stands at 5.6%, higher than most periods except during the Great Recession. She highlighted the challenges posed by high housing prices and rising costs of living, stating, "It's pretty bad for them."
Young people are also navigating a job market that is increasingly digital and AI-driven, making it difficult to identify legitimate job opportunities. Marla McGraw, assistant dean of career management at Michigan State, remarked on the prevalence of scams and fake job listings, stating, "They're always coming in here going, 'Is this real?'"
A Gallup survey conducted earlier this year revealed a significant decline in young Americans' optimism about the job market since 2024, with a widening gap between their economic views and those of older generations. Additionally, a poll by the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research found that young people are less engaged in politics and less likely to consider voting important.
This decline in faith in traditional political values concerns Karlee VanAntwerp, a 21-year-old Michigan State senior and head of the local chapter of Turning Point, a conservative youth organization. She expressed dismay at the online mockery of political violence, particularly the assassination of her group's founder, Charlie Kirk. "Gen Z tends to be more extreme with their views," VanAntwerp stated, noting the difficulty in engaging with those holding differing political beliefs.
VanAntwerp believes this contributes to the despair felt by her generation regarding the possibility of meaningful change. "One administration does a bunch of stuff, another administration comes in and wipes it all out," she commented, reflecting on the cyclical nature of political changes.
William Lawrence, a Democratic candidate for U.S. House of Representatives in Michigan, spoke to students about the importance of not succumbing to despair, sharing his own experiences of finding purpose through political engagement. However, Bautista remained skeptical, expressing frustration with the perceived inadequacy of Democratic leaders compared to their Republican counterparts. "Our leaders are representing us less," he said, emphasizing a desire for substantial change.