Students at Michigan State University are expressing deep anxiety about their economic futures and a growing disillusionment with the traditional political system, according to interviews and recent survey data. As graduation approaches for many, concerns over job market instability, housing affordability, and global instability are reshaping political engagement on campus. This sentiment is driving support for antiestablishment candidates who promise to disrupt the status quo, even as national economic indicators present a more mixed picture.
What the Right Is Saying
Conservative students and commentators emphasize that economic fundamentals do not support the level of despair expressed by many peers. Karlee VanAntwerp, a 21-year-old senior and head of the local Turning Point chapter, noted that political polarization makes it difficult to work across the aisle, describing Gen Z views as "extreme." She argued that the cycle of administrations undoing each other’s policies contributes to a feeling that nothing changes, which elevates the political temperature.
VanAntwerp, who works for Congressman Tom Barrett’s campaign, expressed concern over the mockery directed at figures like Charlie Kirk, whose assassination last year continues to resonate on campus. From a conservative economic perspective, Kevin Corinth, an economist at the American Enterprise Institute, stated that Generation Z is poised to be wealthier than millennials, who in turn were wealthier than prior generations. Corinth acknowledged that the traditional path to success is less clear for young people now but maintained that the data suggests a stronger financial future than the prevailing anxiety indicates.
What the Left Is Saying
Progressive students and candidates argue that the current political leadership has failed to address the structural issues facing young Americans. Julian Bautista, a 20-year-old junior, stated that he views the country as a "failure of democracy led by corrupt politicians" following significant cuts to environmental programs under the Trump administration. Bautista plans to leave the United States for the Netherlands after graduation, noting that his chosen profession has been decimated by federal policy changes.
Abdul El-Sayed, a former public health official running for U.S. Senate in Michigan, and Will Lawrence, a liberal activist challenging Republican Congressman Tom Barrett, have gained traction among students who feel traditional leaders are not representing their interests. Lawrence told a crowd of students that organizing is a path out of despair, acknowledging the desire for "big stuff" from political leaders. Students like Kira Saiti, a 19-year-old sophomore, point to global violence and domestic issues as reasons for their pessimism, stating, "It's kind of hard to look at that and say, 'This world is a great place.'"
What the Numbers Show
According to AP VoteCast, Donald Trump won 47% of young voters in the 2024 election, a significantly higher share than is typical for Republicans. A 2024 study cited by Kevin Corinth indicates that Generation Z is projected to be wealthier than millennials at similar life stages. However, the unemployment rate for those aged 22 to 27 stands at 7.2%, higher than the broader national rate of 4.1%. Kathryn Edwards, a Texas-based economist, noted that unemployment among recent college graduates is at 5.6%, a level not seen since the Great Recession.
A Gallup survey from earlier this year found that young Americans’ optimism about the job market has plummeted since 2024, creating a gap between their economic views and those of older generations that is larger than in almost any other country. An Associated Press-NORC poll indicated that young people are less likely to engage in politics, less likely to view voting as important, and less concerned about political violence compared to previous cohorts. Additionally, data shows younger people are taking longer to leave home and start families, contributing to the sense of delayed adulthood.
The Bottom Line
The disconnect between macroeconomic indicators and the lived experience of college students is fueling political volatility. While some economists point to long-term wealth projections for Generation Z, students are reacting to immediate challenges such as a tough job market, high housing costs, and the rise of AI-powered hiring processes that many find opaque and prone to scams. This anxiety is translating into support for disruptive candidates in both parties who pledge to break established norms. As the 2026 election cycle continues, the ability of politicians to address these specific economic and existential concerns will likely determine youth voter turnout and engagement.