Getting a degree used to be a surefire way to land a job, but not anymore. Recent graduates like Madia Bellebuono, who earned her degree in strategic marketing from the University of Vermont, are finding it harder than ever to break into the workforce. Despite applying for over 300 jobs, Bellebuono spends her days scrolling LinkedIn at a Boston coffee shop, still unemployed.

The problem? Employers now want more than just a diploma—they’re looking for real-world experience. Bellebuono says her university could have done more to prepare her for life after graduation. “I’ve come across a lot of interviews where they’ll ask me questions that I just don’t have an answer for because I don’t have enough experience,” she shared.

Bellebuono isn’t alone. A study from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York highlights the widest unemployment gap between new grads and experienced workers since the 1990s. Experts point to higher skill requirements for entry-level roles and a competitive market as key reasons for the struggle.

But it’s not all on the students. Employers also play a role, often unwilling to pay the price or compromise on what they’re looking for. “The first thing you can do is raise wages,” said one economist. “It’s pretty rare that you can’t find what you want. It’s more likely that you don’t like the price you have to pay.”

Colleges are starting to step up. Universities like Northeastern and Drexel are integrating co-op programs, which combine academics with real-world work experience. These programs are proving successful, with Northeastern boasting a 5.2% acceptance rate and Drexel graduates landing jobs in their fields at impressive rates.

For Bellebuono, more structured support like internships and career prep courses could have made all the difference. “For what I invested into the university, it could have had a better output for helping graduates get jobs,” she said. As the job market evolves, colleges are under pressure to focus on career outcomes—and students are taking notice.