Graduation caps are flying, resumes are circulating and the world is calling. As the Class of 2025 takes that iconic walk across the stage, many young Black women are stepping into a post-grad reality that feels more like a pressure cooker than a party. The economy is unpredictable, the cost of living is sky-high, and “adulting” isn’t just a hashtag. Luckily, Gen Z isn’t spiraling. They’re strategizing.

A recent study by Intuit revealed that Gen-Z graduate students are simply built differently than what others could’ve imagined. They’re realistic, resourceful and redefining what it means to “make it.” Here’s how a post-grad reality really looks for Gen Z Black women navigating the world with resilience and receipts.

Reality Check, Not a Meltdown

The Intuit survey, which polled over 1,500 young adults between 18 to 25, paints a vivid picture of Gen Z’s mindset right now. Nearly half of Gen Z women (46%) say they’re just trying to get by, a figure that’s significantly higher than their male counterparts. Despite the financial tension, from rising rent to suffocating student loans, 42 percent say they’re cautiously optimistic about the future.

This is the new flavor of ambition: grounded, gritty and aware. These women know the system wasn’t built with them in mind, so they’re building their own blueprint.

Cost of Living Is the Villain — But So Is the Lack of Financial Education

The majority of young adults (98%) say the cost of living is their top concern, followed closely by job security and the struggle to save. It’s not just about what’s in the bank. It’s about what they weren’t taught. Most Gen Z women weren’t handed financial literacy on a silver platter. In fact, the study shows that many wish they had learned more.

According to the survey, half of the respondents wish they learned how to invest, 46 percent want to know how credit works, 44 percent want to learn more about how to file taxes and 42 percent want to learn how to budget and save. For Black women in particular, financial conversations often come with cultural layers, where money was either a quiet struggle or simply not discussed.

Redefining “Success”

Forget outdated notions of success that hinge on six-figure salaries or flashy possessions. Today’s post-grad reality for Black woman looks like being able to breathe. They have redefined what success means and are constantly living on their own terms. Here are some of their top concerns, according to the data:

  • A well-funded savings account (59%)
  • Paying rent or a mortgage without stress (43%)
  • Buying something meaningful for their parents (36%)
  • Living with no money stress at all (31%)

They want stability, but not at the cost of their sanity. In fact, 37 percent of women say they’d work longer hours if it meant the flexibility of remote work because peace of mind is the new flex.

The Rise of the Side Hustle: From Survival to Strategy

In this economy, one job simply doesn’t cut it. Welcome to the era of income stacking, where side hustles aren’t just cute passion projects, they’re survival tools.

  • 26% of Gen Z already have a side hustle
  • 56% want two to three income streams within the next five years
  • 37% want to start a side hustle, but don’t know where to begin

Whether it’s launching a beauty brand, selling curated vintage pieces, or freelancing in digital marketing, Black women are creating their own financial safety nets.

What This Means for Black Women Navigating Post-Grad Life

For Black women who are either freshly post-grad or still navigating the early stages of adulthood, this moment is a mirror and a milestone. You’re not waiting for the world to catch up. You’re building bridges while walking across them.

There’s no one-size-fits-all roadmap. Some are freelancing full-time, some are back at home saving up, and others are launching LLCs by day and clocking into full-time jobs by night. The thing that ties it all together is an unshakable desire for freedom, stability and legacy.