You’re not just starting college. You’re making one of the biggest investments of your life.
The average student borrows tens of thousands of dollars to earn a degree, with the assumption that college is a guaranteed path to financial security. And for many, it is.
But what if you graduate into a tough economy and can’t find a job that pays well?
Unfortunately, that’s not just a “what if.” It’s reality for millions of recent grads.
The Underemployment Problem
A 2024 report from the Burning Glass Institute and Strada Education Foundation finds:
- 52% of recent grads are underemployed one year after earning their degree.
- Even 10 years later, 45% are still underemployed.
- Most of these grads aren’t just in jobs slightly below their skill level – they’re in roles that don’t require a degree at all. Think food service, retail, manual labor, and clerical work.
It’s not because they slacked off or made bad choices. In fact, many of them did everything they were told to do – worked hard, got decent grades, borrowed responsibly. But the job market doesn’t always reward effort the way we expect.
Why Underemployment Hurts So Much
Here’s where this becomes more than just a job-title issue: underemployment has long-term financial consequences.
- A graduate in a college-level job earns a median salary of $60,000.
- An underemployed graduate earns far less – just slightly more than someone with only a high school diploma.
- That income gap adds up over time and makes it much harder to make ends meet.
- Since they aren’t earning a college-level salary, student loan repayment becomes incredibly burdensome.
And those early years out of school matter.
If you’re stuck in a low-paying job, you might need to delay moving out, getting a car, saving money, or even taking the next step in your career. Debt doesn’t wait. Loan payments are due, whether your career has launched or not.
So… Is College Still Worth It?
With numbers like these, it’s fair to ask:
Is a college degree still worth it?
In most cases, yes, but with important caveats.
On average, college grads earn about twice as much over their lifetimes as high school graduates. They also face lower unemployment rates, more career flexibility, and greater long-term earning potential.
But averages don’t tell the whole story.
Some grads fall behind. A graduate in the bottom 20% of earners may make less than half of what their higher-earning peers earn, despite taking on similar debt to get there.
So while college can be a great investment, it’s not a guaranteed one. And that’s the problem. College is expensive, and the risk of underemployment is real enough to derail your financial future.
That’s why taking steps to protect yourself matters.
Just like it’s smart to wear a seatbelt even if you’re a careful driver, it’s also wise to have a financial safety net even if you’re a good student.
A New Kind of Protection
Student Loan Insurance is a simple but powerful concept:
If your income is below $60,000 after graduation, Student Loan Insurance helps repay your student loans, up to $100,000.
You pay a flat fee – just $199 per semester – while you’re in school. Then, once you graduate, if you’re earning less than expected, your insurance kicks in to cover up to 100% of your monthly loan payments.
It’s not loan forgiveness. It’s risk protection: a financial buffer that gives you peace of mind while you invest in your future.
Who Is Student Loan Insurance For?
Student Loan Insurance isn’t just for people worried about landing a high-paying job after college.
It’s for anyone who wants the freedom to pursue the future that feels right for them, without the weight of student loan debt shaping every decision.
It’s for:
- The dreamers – who want to launch a creative career, write a book, or pursue the arts
- The helpers – who feel called to work in education, social work, healthcare, or nonprofits
- The planners – who are majoring in something practical but know life doesn’t always go according to plan
- The risk-takers – who want to work in the start-up world, try something unconventional, or take a job that prioritizes growth over salary
- The changemakers – who want to make a difference in their communities, even if it doesn’t come with a big paycheck
- The first-gen students – who are the first in their family to attend college and feel pressure to succeed
- The undecided – who are still exploring majors and don’t want to be forced into a high-paying field just to manage debt
Whether you’re chasing your passion, building a career from the ground up, or just want a backup plan in case your path takes a few unexpected turns, Student Loan Insurance gives you financial flexibility – so your future stays yours to shape.
Because college is about opportunity, not obligation. And your degree should unlock doors, not debt.
Why This Matters Now
Just like how you can’t buy AppleCare+ after your iPhone breaks, you also can’t buy Student Loan Insurance after you know your post-grad salary.
You must sign up before graduation, ideally before your first semester or while you're still in school.
Because once you graduate, it’s too late to go back and get covered.
If College Is Your Launchpad, Student Loan Insurance is Your Safety Net
With Student Loan Insurance, you can:
- Stick with your chosen major without panicking about its starting salary
- Say yes to your dream job, even if it pays less than expected
- Avoid falling behind on your loans while you’re still finding your footing
It’s about more than just managing payments.
It’s about protecting your freedom to build the life you want, on your terms.
Final Thought
You’re doing the right thing by going to college.
But even smart decisions carry risk.
Underemployment is a well-documented issue – and it’s not going away anytime soon.
Student Loan Insurance helps you plan for the unexpected, so you don’t get stuck paying the price of a slow start.
Learn more and get covered today. So you can borrow with confidence – and graduate with peace of mind.
