Most Gen Z High Schoolers Feel Unprepared for Life After Graduation

New Gallup study finds that students have little awareness of pathways other than four-year degrees, and receive limited guidance about alternative options from parents and teachers

WASHINGTON, June 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A majority of Gen Z high school students don't feel prepared to pursue the educational or career path they are most interested in, according to a new study released today by Gallup, the Walton Family Foundation and Jobs for the Future (JFF). The findings underscore a growing disconnect between students' aspirations and the guidance available to them through trusted sources like parents and schools.

The survey, part of the Voices of Gen Z research series, shows that fewer than 30% of high school students feel "very prepared" to pursue any of the postsecondary pathways they are considering. Even among those very interested in a specific pathway, just 46% feel very prepared to follow it.

Students and Parents Are Unaware of Alternatives to College or Work

Both students and their parents tend to be most aware of two familiar pathways after high school: earning a four-year college degree or entering the workforce. One-third of Gen Z high schoolers, and more than half of their parents, know "a great deal" about bachelor's degree programs and paid jobs.

Far fewer say the same of other pathways, including certification programs, learn-and-work models such as internships and apprenticeships, joining the military or starting a business. In fact, at least half of parents say they know "only a little" or "nothing at all" about any pathway other than four-year degrees or working a paid job.

"In order to build a stronger economy, we have to help young people understand not just what jobs are out there, but what pathways are available to them to pursue and succeed in those jobs," said Maria Flynn, CEO of JFF. "It's no surprise that high schoolers rely heavily on their parents to guide their educational journey. But we can't expect parents to do all the heavy lifting alone. Young people need support exploring their career interests and education pathways at a much earlier age so they graduate high school with a tangible understanding of the kind of training and skills they'll need for the jobs of tomorrow."

Personal Connections Are Trusted, but Not Fully Informed

Students' knowledge appears to mirror that of the adults in their lives. Despite their unfamiliarity with pathways beyond college or the workforce, parents are by far the most trusted source of postgraduation guidance, with 90% of students saying they rely on them for information about education and career opportunities. Teachers (54%), other family members (52%) and school counselors (48%) also rank relatively highly. In contrast, fewer than one in three students trust internet resources like career websites or social media posts from people they don't know.

Families Lack Key Information About Job Opportunities      

Even though parents and their children report greater knowledge about paid jobs than other options after high school, neither group has a solid understanding of the job market. At least 40% of parents say they know "only a little" or "nothing at all" about the types of jobs that are most in demand — both in their local communities, as well as nationally — and the pay and benefits that are associated with them.

This narrow scope of knowledge and guidance may restrict students' awareness and interest. The data reveal that students whose parents have discussed an option with them are nearly twice as likely to express interest in it compared with those whose parents have not.

Schools Offer Inconsistent Support

Teachers and school counselors play a significant role in shaping students' decisions, yet the support they offer is often uneven. While 75% of students say teachers have been helpful in providing information about postsecondary options, only 16% rate them as "extremely helpful." A similar percentage of students say their schools have provided "a lot" of information about non-college pathways.

Among recent high school graduates, fewer than half say their school prepared them for any option beyond college or a paid job. Nearly one in 10 say their high school didn't prepare them for any pathway at all.

Hands-On Experience Is Valuable, but Rare

Students cite in-person college visits and internships or jobs as the most helpful experiences in learning about their options, but many have not participated in those activities. Roughly half of students have never held a job or internship, and more than a third have never visited a college campus.

"Gen Z students are lacking access to clear, actionable information about all of their options after high school," said Stephanie Marken, senior partner at Gallup. "This research highlights a critical gap: Students trust the career advice of adults in their lives, so we must equip both families and educators and counselors at schools to have more frequent and better-informed conversations about the wide range of pathways available."

About Jobs for the Future (JFF):

JFF is building a future that works for everyone by transforming U.S. education and workforce systems to drive economic success for people, businesses, and communities. In 2024, JFF launched the ASA Center for Career Navigation at JFF which aims to lead the field in career navigation for high school students and young people who are neither in school nor employed.  www.jff.org.

About the Walton Family Foundation

The Walton Family Foundation is, at its core, a family-led foundation. Three generations of the descendants of our founders, Sam and Helen Walton, and their spouses work together to lead the foundation and create access to opportunity for people and communities. We work in three areas: improving education, protecting rivers and oceans and the communities they support, and investing in our home region of Northwest Arkansas and the Arkansas-Mississippi Delta. To learn more, visit waltonfamilyfoundation.org and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About Gallup

Gallup delivers analytics and advice to help leaders and organizations solve their most pressing problems. Combining more than 80 years of experience with its global reach, Gallup knows more about the attitudes and behaviors of employees, customers, students and citizens than any other organization in the world

SOURCE JOBS FOR THE FUTURE INC