2024’s Best US Cities for New College Grads

As new college graduates step into the workforce, they bring with them a fresh perspective, innovative ideas, and a hunger to learn and contribute. These young professionals inject vitality into businesses, driving growth, and fostering creativity. Their diverse backgrounds and recent education equip them with the latest skills and knowledge, making them invaluable assets to companies aiming to stay competitive in rapidly evolving industries.

Embracing new talent is not just beneficial but crucial for businesses across the country. By hiring recent graduates, companies infuse their teams with a blend of enthusiasm and eagerness to tackle challenges head-on. These individuals often bring unconventional solutions to the table, challenging conventional thinking and spurring organizational innovation.

Moreover, investing in young talent ensures a pipeline of skilled workers for the future, laying the foundation for long-term success and sustainability in an ever-changing marketplace.

As we move toward the summer months, families across the country have and will continue to celebrate their new college grads moving on from college into the workforce. As those proud grads make all-important career-based decisions in the coming weeks, Checkr set out to learn more about the cities that are best fit for graduates across the country.

With that in mind, we crunched the numbers using data sourced from the US Census Bureau and Bureau of Economic Analysis to uncover the best US cities for new college grads based on three categories: employment, affordability, and social aspects. We analyzed this data to help employers in these highly ranked cities understand the importance of embracing younger workers to widen their talent pool, tap into their diverse skill sets, and bring innovative perspectives into the workplace. Graduates might also use this report to learn more about a variety of cities that might be a potential fit for them as they continue to grow as professionals.

Overall, we dug into a total of seven critical factors from the new college grad age range (20-27) for all US cities. Each of the following key factors was assigned to one of the previously mentioned categories, which were then appropriately weighted to reveal the top cities for new college grads.

Key Metrics for New College Grads (20-27 years old):

Now, let’s check out some of the key findings. 

Let’s start by looking at the best cities, of all sizes, for new college grads.

*Data analyzed by Checkr from US Census Bureau & Bureau of Economic Analysis

Above you’ll see Fargo, ND as the top-ranked city in America for new college grads. Fargo showcases an impressive combination of affordability (4th) and employment factors (6th), making it a great choice for young professionals in the workforce. On top of those metrics, Fargo is also well-known for its thriving art scene, entrepreneurial spirit, and many green spaces, parks, and recreational areas for outdoor enthusiasts.

Rounding out the top five best cities for new college grads is a group of midwestern cities, including Iowa City, IA, Lincoln, NE, Oshkosh, WI, and east coast California, MD. This group may not showcase the best weather in the country, but when it comes to employment factors for new college grads, all five of these cities rank inside the top 25 — an awe-inspiring feat. 

Joining the aforementioned cities in the top ten are Madison, WI, home to the University of Wisconsin, as well as Grand Forks, ND, Ames, IA, Fayetteville, AR, and Elkhart, IN. 

While the social scene might fall behind some of the larger cities covered later in this report, the opportunity to earn a great income in the workforce in these places cannot be overlooked. 

Next, let’s dive into rankings based on city sizes, starting with the best large cities—cities with more than 500,000 people—for new college grads.

New college grads often gravitate towards large cities (population of 500,000+) for both work and living due to the myriad opportunities and amenities they offer. Urban centers serve as vibrant hubs of industry, innovation, and networking, providing opportunities for career advancement and professional growth. 

With a dense concentration of companies spanning various sectors, these cities present abundant job prospects across diverse industries, allowing graduates to explore different career paths and find roles that align with their passions and skills.

Moreover, the collaborative and dynamic urban environments foster networking and mentorship opportunities, catering to the generation's desire for meaningful connections and professional growth.

So, where should new college grads look for work in 2024?

*Data analyzed by Checkr from US Census Bureau & Bureau of Economic Analysis

Leading the nation as the best large city for new college grads is Madison, WI. Madison is home to a top-ranked university—The University of Wisconsin—and is situated between two lakes providing fantastic scenery and outdoor activities for young professionals. In addition, the social scene that comes with a major university brings a college town flair perfectly fit for new grads. Even more impressive, Madison ranks 1st in employment opportunities for new college grads and 7th for affordability.

Joining Madison within the top five are Fayetteville, AR, Grand Rapids, MI, Durham, NC, and Omaha, NE. These cities provide new college grads with a combination of affordable housing and above-average wages. Much like Madison, many of these cities are home to major universities or colleges which makes them even more attractive for sports and entertainment fans. 

Rounding out the top ten are Cincinnati, OH, Columbus, OH, Des Moines, IA, Salt Lake City, UT, and Akron, OH. 

Next up, we’ll learn more about the best mid-sized cities for new college grads.

New college grads may find mid-sized cities with populations ranging from 200,000 to 500,000 residents to be compelling options for work and living. These cities offer a balance between the opportunities of urban life and the comforts of a smaller community. 

With a more manageable size, mid-sized cities often boast lower living costs, affordable housing, and shorter commutes compared to their larger counterparts. Additionally, they still feature a diverse array of job opportunities across industries such as technology, healthcare, and education, providing graduates with ample prospects for career growth. 

What sets mid-sized cities apart is their tight-knit communities and strong sense of belonging, fostering deeper connections and collaboration among residents. From vibrant local art scenes to impressive culinary landscapes, these cities offer a high quality of life with a unique blend of urban amenities and small-town charm, making them attractive destinations for new graduates seeking a balance between career opportunities and a welcoming environment to call home.

Let’s take a look at the best mid-sized cities for new college grads in 2024.

*Data analyzed by Checkr from US Census Bureau & Bureau of Economic Analysis

The top-ranked mid-sized city for new college grads is also the top-ranked among all city sizes—Fargo, ND. Home to North Dakota State University, Fargo ranks 2nd among mid-sized cities for both employment opportunities and affordability. Additionally, the city has shown an incredible commitment to sustainability, and outdoor recreational opportunities may also resonate with young people’s focus on environmental consciousness and a balanced lifestyle outside of the workplace. 

Joining Fargo in the top five are Lincoln, NE, Elkhart, IN, Sioux Falls, SD, and St. Cloud, MN.  These midwestern gems provide great affordability for young workers and all rank inside the top 10 for key employment factors among mid-sized cities.

Wrapping up the top ten are Columbia, MO, home to the University of Missouri, Champaign, IL, Kalamazoo, MI, Green Bay, WI, and the University of Michigan’s home Ann Arbor, MI.

Again, most of these cities are all near major universities and colleges—a common theme—and provide fantastic employment metrics for new college grads looking to start their careers.

Next, we’ll dive into the best small cities for new college grads in 2024.

New college graduates may discover the allure of small cities, those with populations of less than 200,000 residents, as ideal destinations for work and living. These intimate communities offer a tranquil and tight-knit environment, fostering deep connections and a strong sense of belonging among residents. 

In small cities, opportunities for career advancement and professional development may be more accessible due to less competition and a greater demand for skilled workers in various sectors such as healthcare, education, and local businesses.

Additionally, the cost of living in small cities is often lower than in larger urban areas, enabling recent graduates to stretch their budgets further and achieve financial stability sooner. The slower pace of life in small cities allows for a better work-life balance, with ample opportunities for outdoor activities, cultural experiences, and community involvement. For new graduates seeking a peaceful yet fulfilling lifestyle with opportunities for personal and professional growth, small cities offer an inviting and supportive environment to call home.

Now, let’s dive into the list.

*Data analyzed by Checkr from US Census Bureau & Bureau of Economic Analysis

The top-ranked small city best fit for Gen Z workers is Iowa City, IA—home to the University of Iowa. Iowa City offers a strong job market across various sectors, including healthcare, education, technology, and the arts, providing ample opportunities for career growth and advancement. Beyond professional prospects, the city's rich cultural scene, with its numerous art galleries, theaters, music venues, and literary events, ensures that there's always something exciting to explore and experience. The city also ranks inside the top 15 for both social and employment factors among all small cities in America. 

Joining Iowa City in the top five are Oshkosh, WI, California, MD, Grand Forks, ND, and Iowa City rival Ames, IA. Among these highly-ranked small cities, one common theme is apparent—they all rank within the top 35 for employment metrics for new college grads, including labor force participation and unemployment rate.

Rounding out the top 10 best small cities for new college grads are Waterloo, IA, Cape Girardeau, MO, Bismarck, ND, Midland, TX, and Jefferson City, MO. 

For more information and detailed rankings, check out the full list of the top 100 best cities for new college grads in 2024 below to learn more about the appealing cities that young workers might consider for their next move.

*Data analyzed by Checkr from US Census Bureau & Bureau of Economic Analysis

For more information on Check’s research or to request graphics or commentary about this study, please contact press@checkr.com. 

To rank America’s best cities for new college grads (ages 20-27), Checkr analyzed seven key factors from the US Census Bureau & Bureau of Economic Analysis. The factors include new college grads' unemployment rate, labor force participation rate, income-to-rent ratio, percentage of renters paying <30% of income in rent, real personal income, new college grad portion of the population, and new college grad members per entertainment establishment. Each factor was weighted appropriately by Checkr and scaled, resulting in the final rankings of the best cities in the country for new college grads in 2024.

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