AI fears drive some young adults to grad school — 'people shelter in higher education,' expert says
By Jessica Dickler
Published on April 18, 2026.
As artificial intelligence reduces the number of entry-level opportunities, recent college grads struggle to find employment. Nearly 78% of those considering graduate school plan to enroll within a year, according to a survey by Jenzabar/Spark451. This is an increase from 69% who expressed similar plans a year earlier. Typically, graduate school enrollment increases during economic recessions as workers move to another industry with better career prospects or pay. However, this current economic cycle is different as the labor market remains strong and the overall unemployment rate is down to 4.3%. Consumer confidence sank to a record low in April due to fears over the Iran war's impact on the economy. Experts suggest that a graduate degree can be 'an insurance policy' as it helps people stay sharp in the job market.
Read Original Article