Amid the shift to remote learning and a youth unemployment rate far higher than the national average, a recent poll has found that 38 percent of college students are afraid they won't have enough money to make it through this semester, reported CNBC. Beyond tuition, college students are also stressing over housing, food, books and other expenses. The 7,000-student poll, conducted by AIG Retirement Services and EVERFI, also found that 40 percent would not be able to handle a major unexpected expense such as a medical bill or car repair. While, traditionally, financially struggling college students may have turned to their families for help, this is likely not an option for many students now, as 32 percent said the pandemic has increased the financial stress of their families overall, not just themselves. Students concerned about shortfalls are reacting by either pursuing more scholarship money (23 percent) or finding a part-time or even full-time job (about 20 percent).

Young people are one of the demographics that have been especially hard hit by the pandemic. Overall, labor force statistics suggest that young people will bear the brunt of the pandemic's economic damage, which will carry long-term consequences for their later earning power and career development. According to another survey, two-thirds of college students said that the pandemic has changed how they feel about their financial future, and 70 percent think it will be harder for them to get a job after they graduate.