Top Cities For College Graduates Launching Careers In 2024

Fargo, North Dakota, leads the 2024 list of top American cities for new college graduates, according to a study that tracked where the new grads have the best chance at success.

The study, issued by Checkr last week, evaluated cities based on employment opportunities, affordability, and social life — important factors for graduates entering the workforce. As job landscapes continue to evolve, the ranking aims to provide insights for young professionals seeking locations where their careers can grow.

In addition to Fargo, the study found other, less populated cities that combine low living costs with robust job markets. Iowa City, Iowa, and Lincoln, Nebraska, follow closely, offering cultural scenes and employment opportunities without the steep costs associated with larger urban centers.

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Mid-sized cities also made a strong showing with Madison, Wisconsin, and Durham, North Carolina, standing out. Both cities benefit from the presence of major universities which contribute to their economies and high rankings in employment opportunities for new graduates.

The findings mark shifting preferences among recent college graduates, who increasingly value affordability and quality of life alongside traditional career prospects. As more young professionals prioritize those factors, smaller and mid-sized cities are rising to meet their needs, offering opportunities that were once exclusive to larger metropolitan areas.

Demographic Focus and Key Metrics

The analysis targeted the young workforce aged 20-27, considering metrics influencing their decision-making for settling down after graduation.

The metrics included the unemployment rate, which gauges the likelihood of finding employment; the labor force participation rate, which indicates the level of active engagement in the job market; and the income-to-rent ratio, which assesses living affordability based on average earnings versus rental costs. 

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It also measures the percentage of renters paying less than 30% of their income on rent, which measures housing affordability. Real personal income reflects individual economic well-being and purchasing power.

City Rankings

Checkr's data analysis led to the identification of the top cities for new college graduates, categorized by city size: 

• Fargo, North Dakota
• Iowa City, Iowa
• Lincoln, Nebraska
• Oshkosh, Wisconsin
• California, Maryland
• Madison, Wisconsin.
• Grand Forks, North Dakota
• Ames, Iowa
• Fayetteville, Arkansas
• Elkhart, Indiana

Other cities include Waterloo, IA, Cape Girardeau, MO, and Sioux Falls, SD, each providing advantages like lower living costs and strong local economies. The study said that mid-sized cities including Madison, WI, and Durham, NC continue to draw graduates with their urban environments and academic institutions.

The findings reflect a trend toward smaller and mid-sized cities, which offer affordability and job opportunities without the congestion and high costs typically associated with larger metropolitan areas.

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