Study finds rising anxiety among Gen Z about life after high school

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A faculty member sits at the end of one of the many rows of graduating seniors at the commencement ceremony at Martin Luther King Junior High School on May 28, 2025 in Riverside, California.  (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

LOS ANGELES - A new national survey from K12, an online learning provider powered by Stride Inc., reveals many students are graduating high school without the skills they need for adult life. Nearly one in three recent grads (32%) said their school didn’t prepare them for the real world—citing concerns about money, mental health, and major life decisions.

The study, which surveyed 300 recent high school graduates and 200 parents, highlights a growing desire for education that goes beyond academics, with teens seeking more support in practical, emotional, and financial readiness as they transition into adulthood.

What students fear most after graduation

By the numbers:

When asked to identify their biggest fears about life after high school, these were the most common concerns among teens:

• Not being financially independent (44%)
• Making the wrong choices and falling behind (41%)
• Not finding a job they enjoy or believe in (39%)
• Not having a clear plan (38%)
• Failing at school or work (30%)
• Struggling with mental health (28%)
• Student debt (27%)
• Moving out or living alone (20%)
• Losing support systems (13%)

Confidence levels varied, with some grads rating themselves high and others expressing deep uncertainty. Young men were more likely to report low confidence than young women.

What skills do students wish they’d learned?

The backstory:

Grads overwhelmingly said they needed more guidance on the basics of adult life. The top "adulting" skills they wish had been covered in high school include:

• How to file taxes (62%)
• How credit scores and loans work (60%)
• How to plan for retirement or invest (51%)
• How to navigate health insurance (50%)
• How to budget and manage money (49%)
• How to apply for jobs (43%)
• How to start a business or work self-employed (36%)
• Time management skills (34%)
• How to manage stress or mental health (30%)
• Communication in professional settings (29%)

These gaps reflect a generation hungry for practical, actionable knowledge that helps them navigate the complexity of adult life.

How parents feel about high school preparation

What they're saying:

Parents echoed their kids’ concerns, saying schools aren’t doing enough to teach real-world skills. When asked what they wish schools taught more, parents ranked these subjects highest:

• Financial literacy (67%)
• Career planning (41%)
• Managing insurance, credit, and taxes (40%)
• Time management (34%)
• Communication skills (31%)
• Emotional resilience (29%)
• Conflict resolution (22%)

While 73% of parents said they support their kids pursuing nontraditional paths like trades or entrepreneurship, just 29% said they do so without concerns. Most parents rated their child’s adulthood readiness at only 6 out of 10.

What’s shaping teen goals in 2025?

Social media is deeply influencing how teens see success. The study found:

• 59% of grads said social media shaped their post-grad goals
• 34% said they felt pressure to become content creators or entrepreneurs

Though some grads are heading straight into the workforce or launching startups, 76% of those skipping college said they’d attend if it were free—highlighting cost, not interest, as the barrier.

As for how they define success, the top priorities were:

• Financial security (71%)
• Freedom and flexibility (51%)
• Doing work they love (39%)
• Making a difference (22%)Only 8% defined success in terms of status or recognition.

Why you should care:

This study underscores a growing disconnect between what schools teach and what students need. As more teens opt for gig work, trade careers, or entrepreneurship, families are pushing for education that includes mental health support, financial literacy, and job-readiness skills.

With enrollment for the 2025 school year now open, K12 and similar programs say the goal is to close this readiness gap—helping students build not just transcripts, but tools for life.