This Might Be the Most Alarming Economic Stat You’ve Seen Yet

Impact

This might be the saddest economic statistic ever: 

Source: 2000 and 2010 U.S. Census.

According to the most recent census, 113,000 janitors in the U.S. have at least a bachelor’s degree. And, over 18,000 have a master’s degree or Ph.D.

If there was ever a sign that today's job market for young people is screwed, it's in the GIF above. Many of today's best and brightest young people are graduating from college to mop floors. So much for college being the golden ticket to economic success.

Thirty years ago, a college degree was a coveted status symbol that nearly guaranteed a respectable job with decent pay. But for today's young people, not so much.

The next time you see a report touting job growth, keep in mind many of the new jobs are menial, especially for recent college grads.

Maybe billioniare investor Peter Thiel had it right all along: The value of a four-year bachelor's degree is not what it once was, so young people should weigh the alternatives.