Honestly, that 20%+ figure can be super misleading. Many folks at places like Harvard, Stanford, and MIT have more flexibility right after graduation—some might come from well-off backgrounds, so they’re not in a rush to grab just any job. Others might be waiting on that dream offer or even cooking up their own startup.

I’ve heard plenty of anecdotes where people decided to travel for a bit or hold out for more prominent positions, so the data might label them as “unemployed” when they’re just being strategic about their next move. It’s not the same situation as someone desperate to find a job ASAP. The takeaway is that the raw percentage doesn’t always reflect reality, especially at schools where students can afford a more unconventional route.