Bad News: A High School Diploma Won't Hack It...

June 2012

A recent study by Rutgers University's John Helrich reveals that nearly half of young people with only high school diplomas are still looking for full-time jobs and says the problem seems to be getting worse. The study also found that most of these graduates still live with their families.

Only 37 percent of those who graduated between 2006 and 2008 and sixteen percent of those who graduated between 2009-2011 are employed full-time.

Most of these high school graduates understand that they need to go to college to get ahead but believe they cannot afford it. They end up spending many years trying to save up for college, purchasing a home or starting a family.

The study also showed that this generation may be "permanently depressed" over the fact that they cannot achieve the American dream or have the job security of previous generations.

For more information:

• Read the NPR article: High Schools Grads 'Scarred' By High Unemployment