AI was supposed to hit new grads hard. So far, unemployment data says otherwise.

Unemployment among recent US college graduates in summer 2026 remained within normal historical ranges, showing no unusual impact from AI adoption so far. A CESifo study comparing various groups found no significant employment differences linked to AI exposure, contrasting with a Stanford payroll-based study. The findings suggest AI's effect on the job market is not yet evident in unemployment rates for new grads.