# The Rise of Educated but Not Wealthy Americans New data reveals a growing segment of highly educated but low-income Americans. - **Source:** [The College Investor](https://brifing.si/source/d431d77d-492e-4105-be7c-2525bbb643ab) - **Published:** 2026-07-23 - **Topic:** [Finance](https://brifing.si/c/finance) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/b6637c8e-3361-4e0e-97f3-165e43af9479 ## Educated but Not Wealthy A new analysis shows an increase in Americans with graduate degrees but annual incomes between $30,000 and $60,000. This group challenges the traditional link between education and income. ## Unemployment and Labor Market Federal Reserve data indicates that 41.5% of recent graduates are working in jobs that don't require a degree. The unemployment rate stood at 5.7% in the first quarter of 2026. ## Impact of AI AI anxiety is causing students to reconsider their educational choices. According to a Lumina Foundation-Gallup survey, 42% of students have thought about changing their major due to AI. ## Rising Education Costs College costs continued to rise in 2025. Under new federal repayment rules, the class of 2026 is projected to borrow an average of $43,500 for a bachelor's degree. ## Family Pressure The Pew Research Center reports that 23% of Americans are supporting both aging parents and their children. This situation increases the risks of educational investments. ## Federal Measures Washington has decided to deny federal student loans to programs whose graduates consistently earn low incomes. This policy acknowledges that education isn't always profitable. ## Risks of Educational Investment While education generally pays off on average, it is not a risk-free investment. Overpaying can diminish returns and lead to financial strain. ## Sources covering this story - https://thecollegeinvestor.com/84948/educated-but-not-wealthy/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._