InvestingIs College Worth It in 2026? Reconciling a 12.5% Return With a 5.7% Unemployment RateThe NY Fed says college returns 12.5% with a $32,000 wage premium — but recent grads face 5.7% unemployment and 41.5% underemployment. Both are true. Here's why.Sujit Karki·Jul 31, 2026·8 min read