Core Insights - The current labor market is challenging for recent graduates, leading many to consider graduate school as a viable alternative to entering a stagnant job market [2][4][8] - Certain graduate degree programs, particularly in mental health counseling and law, are projected to have high demand and job openings in the coming years [3][7] Labor Market Conditions - The labor market has been slow to add workers, with tariffs and the increasing presence of AI contributing to hiring challenges [2][8] - As of June 2025, the unemployment rate for recent college graduates was 4.8%, slightly higher than the overall unemployment rate of 4% [5] Graduate School Trends - Graduate school is becoming a more attractive option for recent graduates, especially in fields with promising job prospects [4][7] - Law school admissions for the 2024-2025 cycle reached the highest level in over a decade, indicating a significant interest in legal careers [8] Job Demand Projections - According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, mental health counselors, lawyers, and education and career counselors are expected to see a high number of job openings over the next nine years [3][7] - Graduate degrees are associated with higher-paying job opportunities compared to positions available to those with only a bachelor's degree [9]