Generation Y: Seeking Higher Education, Hoping to Obtain Better Jobs and Bigger Salaries

Although the current generation, often defined as Generation Y, has had a hand in the dwindling economy, we cannot be completely responsible.  College attendance and graduation are continuing to rise and education remains a staple in America.

Today, 64 percent of women and 60 percent of men go to college after high school.  An outstanding 85 percent attend full time.  Being a member of Generation Y goes hand in hand with higher education and should entail a surplus of job opportunities.

Unemployment is at a 30 year high and employers are hiring our generation the least.  Reflection of higher education means our generation is prepared for employment.  The recessing job market has to be bound to other factors.

Many college students are familiar with hard work and good pay off.  Many affluent families have more children that are attending college. The majority of families with children from ages 18 to 24 and income of over $50,000 have at least one child in college.  College students are rearing for the job market, so unemployment is not in our hands.

Possible, but statistically improbable, is that a safety net has been cast over the children in college and they do not need a job out of college right away.  Of all parents in America, 58 percent want their children to graduate from college for a better chance at employment.  Additionally, 14 percent want their child to obtain an advanced degree.

Other than Generation Y, different measures have to be considered responsible for our economic recession.  By our precedence in higher education, a staple in America, our generation is doing the best we can.

College attendance is important because it is critical in the job market, and therefore our generation is not responsible for the lack of jobs.  There are many statistics that suggest college attendance is important in America.  Among these facts, 82 percent of entry-level jobs paying more than $30,000 require a college degree or certificate.

There are many choices in higher education today because of the commonality of attending college.  College attendees can choose where to go to college and what to study.  Considering this, the government-sponsored loan program has grown 15% since 1980.
College availability and accessibility have both accrued greater measures for our generation.

These measures for college students does not change the fact that 37 percent of people in their 20s are unemployed or have a part-time job.  The unemployment rate is setting back our careers, but collegiate involvement is still viewed to be important in the economy.

In a personal statement to Congress this past Saturday, April 21, President Barack Obama said, “In America, higher education cannot be a luxury” and that education is “an economic imperative.” Obama as well as Former President George W. Bush (2004-2008) made congressional initiatives to ensure both general education and higher education are there to stabilize the economy for Generation Y.

The growing number of college students does not overlook the initiatives of our government.  Since jobs are down right now and education is on the rise, the economy cannot solely lie in the hands of Generation Y.  The economy is going to have to bounce back as more children in our generation graduate from college.