Video Transcript
Christian Locker, N-C-C News Reporter – Just about everyone knows the stereotypical broke college student. It makes sense – school is almost like a full-time job. But many students worried about those financial constraints continuing into their post-grad lives.
Gaby Waksberg, Syracuse University Grad Student – I’m not gonna be able to afford rent, or eat, or things like that.
Locker – That’s Gaby Waksberg. She’s a graduate student at Syracuse University. She’s worried about the economic future of her and her classmates, and she isn’t alone. According to a study from Fortune, 84% of Gen Z says they’re delaying major milestones in hopes of buying a home some day. That includes things like marriage, having children and owning pets. In 2025, the average age of first-time homebuyers was 40 years old. 15 years ago, that number was 30; a significant increase that has people like Waksberg unoptimistic. As for when she might be able to afford a home?
Waksberg – Maybe when I’m 30 something… or 40 something… or 50 something, based on the economy.
Locker – People like Lily Koplan think those dreams are possible, but that they might take a while.
Kily Koplan, Syracuse University Senior – If you can do that and brave the lower salaries and work your way up, and are in higher positions and are getting paid more, then it’s like a different situation.
Locker – The dream of being a home owner isn’t the only thing putting financial strain on young people. Grocery prices have steadily increased since the pandemic, many students are paying high rent prices, and now, another curveball has been tossed into the equation – gas. Waksberg doesn’t drive much, but she’s certainly noticed the spike in prices.
Waksberg – The other day I went to the gas station, because of course I let my gas go all the way down until I needed to fill up, and I went to the closest gas station to my house. It was $4.19.
Locker – Despite being worried about costs, she still thinks a brighter future is possible.
Waksberg – I think we can have a little bit of hope with it, and say like ‘oh maybe it’ll get a little better.’
Locker – In Syracuse, Christian Locker, N-C-C News
Syracuse, NY (NCC News) — For many Gen Zers, homeownership is slipping out of reach as rising housing costs and higher gas prices drain their ability to save.
“I feel like I might be able to afford a house when I’m… 40 or 50, depending on the economy,” SU graduate student Gaby Waksberg said. “I think there’s a 30 percent chance I can afford a house by the time I want to start a family.”
Gen Z © Christian Locker, 2026
Waksberg isn’t alone. A Coldwell Banker report published by Fortune in November 2025 found that 84 percent of Gen Z was delaying major life milestones in the hopes of one day owning a home. Those milestones include starting a family and owning pets.
New studies are not yielding better results yet, either. PYMTNS published a report at the beginning of March that said many young people are in debt, creating yet another barrier to save for the future.
If recent trends continue, those milestones will have to continue to wait. According to the National Association of Realtors, the average age of a first-time home buyer in 2025 was 40. Just 15 years ago, the average was 30.
Senior Lily Koplan believes owning a home and starting a family is possible, but noted the time needed to earn the necessary salary makes for a long wait.
“If you can brave the lower salaries and work your way up, then it’s a different story,” she said.
Another curve ball has been thrown into the equation: gas prices. Waksberg drives to and from class, and was shocked by rising prices at the pump.
“The closest gas station to me was $4.19,” she said. “I almost (decided) to just let my car run out of gas.”
Despite rising prices and the possible delay of the “American dream,” Waksberg believes a better future is possible.
“I think we can have a little bit of hope with it,” she said. “When I started driving, gas prices were high… so maybe in a couple months it will even out.”