Top 10 U.S. cities attracting 2025 college graduates

In spite of economic uncertainty, fresh college graduates continue to relocate toward prominent metropolitan cities, according to Jones Lang LaSalle’s (JLL) 2025 Talent Hubs report. The top three cities attracting new graduates this year are New York City, the San Francisco-Bay Area, and Los Angeles.

John Gates, CEO of Markets at JLL Americas, cited that a “relatively high percentage of college graduates” go to urban centers every year, and that “consistent pattern” has continued in 2025. From the Class of 2025, almost 1.47 million graduates entered into office-centered positions this year. Of these, 36% moved to a different metropolitan region, and 23% shifted to another state.


Job availability remains a major factor encouraging recent graduates to relocate. Gates emphasized that amid a changing labor market, employment situations for fresh graduates have been “very up and down.” All cities mentioned feature strong local economies and dense corporate presences, offering a steady sequence of new opportunities, Gates added. JLL’s 2025 talent hub rankings are largely stable from the past year, with one exception: Dallas-Fort Worth substituted Houston in the top 10. City rankings consider overall size and the quality of universities providing graduates to these markets.

Top 10 Cities for 2025 College Graduates

1. New York City

• Share of 2025 grads: 10.9%
  
• YoY increase from 2024 grads: 38%
  
• Leading sectors: Finance, Accounting and Consulting, Technology
  
  
  

2. San Francisco-Bay Area

• Share of 2025 grads: 5.4%
  
• YoY increase: 31%
  
• Leading sectors: Technology, Accounting and Consulting, Automotive
  
  
  

3. Los Angeles

• Share of 2025 grads: 6.0%
  
• YoY increase: 19%
  
• Leading industries: Aerospace and Defense, Technology, Media and Entertainment, Accounting and Consulting
  
  
  

4. Boston

• Share of 2025 grads: 4.7%
  
• YoY increase: 11%
  
• Leading sectors: Finance, Accounting and Consulting, Technology
  
  
  

5. Chicago

• Share of 2025 grads: 4.9%
  
• YoY increase: 10%
  
• Leading sectors: Accounting and Consulting, Banking and Finance, Technology
  
  
  

6. Washington, D.C.

• Share of 2025 grads: 3.8%
  
• YoY increase: 47%
  
• Leading sectors: Accounting and Consulting, Government, Aerospace and Defense
  
  
  

7. Atlanta

• Share of 2025 grads: 3.4%
  
• YoY increase: 3%
  
• Leading sectors: Technology, Accounting and Consulting, Finance
  
  
  

8. Philadelphia

• Share of 2025 grads: 2.8%
  
• YoY increase: 1%
  
• Leading sectors: Finance, Accounting and Consulting, Life Sciences
  
  
  

9. Dallas-Fort Worth

• Share of 2025 grads: 3.1%
  
• YoY increase: 26%
  
• Leading sectors: Finance, Accounting and Consulting, Technology
  
  
  

10. Seattle

• Share of 2025 grads: 2.4%
  
• YoY increase: 14%
  
• Leading sectors: Technology, Aerospace and Defense
  
  

Why These Cities Are Popular

It’s no surprise that New York City leads the list: it is “perhaps one of the most competitive business communities and economies in the world,” making it a “very attractive” destination for young graduates.

West Coast hubs such as Los Angeles and San Francisco are highly favored. Gates described Northern California as the “epicenter of innovation and technology,” and “young people with STEM degrees of any kind are going to flock there.”

Proximity to high-ranking universities also plays a major role. Cities such as Boston, New York, and Philadelphia benefit from “super high-quality universities,” while Los Angeles attracts many graduates from California’s state university system.

Affordability is another factor. Cities such as Atlanta, Chicago, and Seattle appeal to cost-conscious grads in regard to reduced living costs compared to coastal hubs.

Dallas-Fort Worth, the latest addition to the list, has faced a “surge in job growth” thanks to a surge in corporate relocations.

Ultimately, Gates concluded, “graduates go where the jobs are,” and metropolitan cities with thriving career markets will remain to attract top talent.

FAQs:

Q1. Why do graduates move to major cities?
Graduates often move to cities for better career opportunities and access to industries. Urban regions also provide networking and professional growth possibilities.

Q2. Which cities are most popular for new graduates?
New York City, San Francisco-Bay Area, and Los Angeles top the list. These hubs have strong employment markets and concentrated corporate presence.