When it comes to recovery, most folks will tell you that it all comes down to one thing: Jobs. And many sectors are counting on job growth among young adults, in particular. That’s because, theoretically, the path upon college graduation should go like this: get a job, move out of mom and dad’s house into your own apartment and spend your disposable income on a car, electronics and other mini luxuries one can indulge in before having to pay a mortgage and childcare expenses.

Now let’s take a look at reality. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate for Americans age 20 and over was 7.6% in July. But for 20- to 24-year-olds, the rate was 13.5%. Bringing the age group up a notch, the unemployment rate for those age 25 and over was 6.9%, but 8.2% of those between 25 and 34 years of age were jobless.

Let’s leave aside the weak job market and lack of hiring altogether and revisit the above concept. Even if the majority of twenty-somethings manage to secure a job after obtaining their college degree, it’s not a given that they will move into their own apartments and help to further the economy by spending.