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The transition from college to adulthood has dramatically transformed over recent decades, with financial independence, full-time employment, and independent living occurring much later for today's graduates than their 1980s counterparts. Yet despite these shifting timelines, Sallie Mae's latest research reveals that higher education continues to deliver tremendous value for Gen Z.
According to Annat Shrabstein, Senior Director of Consumer Insights & Brand Strategy at Sallie Mae, their "How America Succeeds After College 2025" report uncovers interesting insights about what success truly means for recent graduates. Research reveals a significant shift in how Gen Z defines post-college success, balancing financial health, mental wellbeing, and career satisfaction in a world where traditional adulthood milestones are happening later than ever. The data challenges common assumptions about higher education's value while highlighting critical opportunities to better prepare students for life after graduation.
• Only 25% of 21-year-olds in 2021 were financially independent, compared to 42% in 1980
• 90% of recent graduates report positive college experiences, with 70% believing education was worth the cost
• 74% of grads who used student loans say they would have rather borrowed than not gone to college
• Students who use career services are significantly more likely to find jobs in their field
• 64% of graduates wish they had fully engaged in all their college had to offer
• Having a mentor is the attribute most strongly associated with post-college success
• Almost two-thirds of recent graduates are living with parents two years after college
Visit salliemae.com to access college planning tools including Scholly Scholarship Search, Scout College Search, step-by-step FAFSA guides, and research reports. Email [email protected] to share stories about what's working in your schools.

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Sponsored by Dr. Gregg Hassler Jr., DMD
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The music in this podcast was written and performed by Brandon Picciolini of the Lonesome Family Band. Visit and follow him on Instagram.