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2026-01-01
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2026-02-28
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<p>For many recent graduates, the transition from college to career is filled with anticipation, uncertainty, and major life decisions-including where to live. Again in 2025, the upcoming summer season will be a pivotal point for many graduates.</p>
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<p>For many recent graduates, the transition from college to career is filled with anticipation, uncertainty, and major life decisions-including where to live. Again in 2025, the upcoming summer season will be a pivotal point for many graduates.</p>
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<p>As they take their first steps into the workforce, location can play a critical role in shaping both personal and professional growth. To help grads, and employers, make informed choices, Checkr has compiled a fresh list of the best US cities in 2025 where college graduates can thrive.</p>
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<p>As they take their first steps into the workforce, location can play a critical role in shaping both personal and professional growth. To help grads, and employers, make informed choices, Checkr has compiled a fresh list of the best US cities in 2025 where college graduates can thrive.</p>
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<p>This year's rankings reflect a comprehensive analysis of economic and social data across the country, focusing on employment prospects, affordability, and access to vibrant communities. </p>
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<p>This year's rankings reflect a comprehensive analysis of economic and social data across the country, focusing on employment prospects, affordability, and access to vibrant communities. </p>
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<p>Whether you're looking for a bustling city with career momentum or a smaller town with a welcoming vibe and strong job market, this report is designed to highlight the places where recent graduates can launch their next chapter with confidence.</p>
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<p>Whether you're looking for a bustling city with career momentum or a smaller town with a welcoming vibe and strong job market, this report is designed to highlight the places where recent graduates can launch their next chapter with confidence.</p>
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<p>Checkr evaluated cities based on seven key metrics relevant to the 20-27 age group, with each factor thoughtfully weighted to reflect the needs of new professionals. </p>
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<p>Checkr evaluated cities based on seven key metrics relevant to the 20-27 age group, with each factor thoughtfully weighted to reflect the needs of new professionals. </p>
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<p>Employers, HR professionals, and graduates alike can use this guide to better understand where opportunity meets lifestyle in today’s rapidly evolving job market.</p>
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<p>Employers, HR professionals, and graduates alike can use this guide to better understand where opportunity meets lifestyle in today’s rapidly evolving job market.</p>
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<p><b>Key Metrics for New College Grads (20-27 years old):</b></p>
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<p><b>Key Metrics for New College Grads (20-27 years old):</b></p>
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<ul><ul><li><p>Unemployment rate</p>
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<ul><ul><li><p>Unemployment rate</p>
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</li>
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</li>
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<li><p>Labor force participation rate</p>
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<li><p>Labor force participation rate</p>
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</li>
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</li>
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<li><p>Income to rent ratio</p>
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<li><p>Income to rent ratio</p>
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</li>
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</li>
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<li><p>Percentage of renters paying <30% of income in rent </p>
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<li><p>Percentage of renters paying <30% of income in rent </p>
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</li>
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</li>
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<li><p>Real personal income </p>
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<li><p>Real personal income </p>
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</li>
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</li>
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<li><p>College grads as a portion of the population </p>
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<li><p>College grads as a portion of the population </p>
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</li>
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</li>
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<li><p>College grads per entertainment establishment</p>
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<li><p>College grads per entertainment establishment</p>
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</li>
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</li>
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</ul></ul><p>Let’s take a look at the top cities making waves for new college grads in 2025.</p>
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</ul></ul><p>Let’s take a look at the top cities making waves for new college grads in 2025.</p>
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<p>Let’s start by looking at the best cities, of all sizes, for new college grads. This year’s overall top cities reflect a diverse mix of small, mid-sized, and large communities, highlighting that opportunity doesn’t just live in major metropolises. </p>
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<p>Let’s start by looking at the best cities, of all sizes, for new college grads. This year’s overall top cities reflect a diverse mix of small, mid-sized, and large communities, highlighting that opportunity doesn’t just live in major metropolises. </p>
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<p>Many of the top-performing cities are in the Midwest and South, where affordability, access to higher education, and strong job markets intersect. Cities that may be under the radar nationally are proving to be excellent destinations for new graduates launching their careers.</p>
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<p>Many of the top-performing cities are in the Midwest and South, where affordability, access to higher education, and strong job markets intersect. Cities that may be under the radar nationally are proving to be excellent destinations for new graduates launching their careers.</p>
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<p><i>*Data analyzed by Checkr from US Census Bureau and Bureau of Economic Analysis</i></p>
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<p><i>*Data analyzed by Checkr from US Census Bureau and Bureau of Economic Analysis</i></p>
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<p>At the top of the list is<b>Iowa City, IA</b>-a small city with a powerhouse combination of strong job prospects, low cost of living, and a thriving cultural scene. Home to the University of Iowa, this city offers new grads access to jobs in education, healthcare, publishing, and the arts. Iowa City ranks highly in both employment and social factors, making it an ideal launchpad for young professionals.</p>
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<p>At the top of the list is<b>Iowa City, IA</b>-a small city with a powerhouse combination of strong job prospects, low cost of living, and a thriving cultural scene. Home to the University of Iowa, this city offers new grads access to jobs in education, healthcare, publishing, and the arts. Iowa City ranks highly in both employment and social factors, making it an ideal launchpad for young professionals.</p>
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<p>Close behind are<b>Lincoln, NE</b>, and<b>Columbia, MO</b>, two mid-sized college towns that are magnets for new grads thanks to their affordability and dynamic economies. Lincoln has become a rising tech hub in the Midwest, with strong job growth in government and finance. Additionally, Columbia offers opportunities in healthcare and media while maintaining a youthful atmosphere thanks to the University of Missouri.</p>
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<p>Close behind are<b>Lincoln, NE</b>, and<b>Columbia, MO</b>, two mid-sized college towns that are magnets for new grads thanks to their affordability and dynamic economies. Lincoln has become a rising tech hub in the Midwest, with strong job growth in government and finance. Additionally, Columbia offers opportunities in healthcare and media while maintaining a youthful atmosphere thanks to the University of Missouri.</p>
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<p><b>Cape Girardeau, MO</b>and<b>Kalamazoo, MI</b>round out the top five, with each offering exceptional affordability and a wealth of early-career opportunities. Cape Girardeau benefits from a diverse economy rooted in healthcare, education, and logistics, while Kalamazoo stands out for its manufacturing base and thriving arts community.</p>
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<p><b>Cape Girardeau, MO</b>and<b>Kalamazoo, MI</b>round out the top five, with each offering exceptional affordability and a wealth of early-career opportunities. Cape Girardeau benefits from a diverse economy rooted in healthcare, education, and logistics, while Kalamazoo stands out for its manufacturing base and thriving arts community.</p>
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<p>Other notable cities in the top ten include<b>Grand Forks, ND; Columbus, IN; Oshkosh, WI; Des Moines, IA;</b>and<b>Bloomington, IL</b>-each of which ranks in the top tier for employment and housing affordability, with smaller populations that allow for a more intimate, community-oriented living experience.</p>
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<p>Other notable cities in the top ten include<b>Grand Forks, ND; Columbus, IN; Oshkosh, WI; Des Moines, IA;</b>and<b>Bloomington, IL</b>-each of which ranks in the top tier for employment and housing affordability, with smaller populations that allow for a more intimate, community-oriented living experience.</p>
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<p>Now, let’s take a look at the rankings according to city size.</p>
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<p>Now, let’s take a look at the rankings according to city size.</p>
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<p>New college grads often gravitate toward large cities (population of 500,000+) due to the sheer diversity of career opportunities, amenities, and networking potential. </p>
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<p>New college grads often gravitate toward large cities (population of 500,000+) due to the sheer diversity of career opportunities, amenities, and networking potential. </p>
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<p>Large cities offer a wide range of professional opportunities, robust transit networks, and vibrant cultural scenes. These urban centers attract graduates with the promise of upward mobility, abundant networking potential, and lifestyle amenities such as entertainment, nightlife, and public spaces. </p>
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<p>Large cities offer a wide range of professional opportunities, robust transit networks, and vibrant cultural scenes. These urban centers attract graduates with the promise of upward mobility, abundant networking potential, and lifestyle amenities such as entertainment, nightlife, and public spaces. </p>
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<p>However, these benefits often come with a higher cost of living, making it crucial to find large cities that strike a balance between opportunity and affordability.</p>
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<p>However, these benefits often come with a higher cost of living, making it crucial to find large cities that strike a balance between opportunity and affordability.</p>
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<p><i>*Data analyzed by Checkr from US Census Bureau and Bureau of Economic Analysis</i></p>
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<p><i>*Data analyzed by Checkr from US Census Bureau and Bureau of Economic Analysis</i></p>
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<p>For those seeking the energy and opportunity of large urban areas,<b>Des Moines, IA</b>stands out as the top-ranked large city for new grads in 2025. Des Moines offers a unique blend of affordability and career potential. With booming insurance and finance sectors and a growing tech scene, it provides excellent upward mobility for recent graduates. </p>
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<p>For those seeking the energy and opportunity of large urban areas,<b>Des Moines, IA</b>stands out as the top-ranked large city for new grads in 2025. Des Moines offers a unique blend of affordability and career potential. With booming insurance and finance sectors and a growing tech scene, it provides excellent upward mobility for recent graduates. </p>
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<p>Beyond its economic strengths, Des Moines offers a vibrant cultural scene and a high quality of life. With a growing population and a welcoming community, Des Moines provides new graduates with not only professional opportunities but also a supportive environment to thrive personally. From its bustling downtown to its numerous parks and recreational activities, Des Moines combines the amenities of a large city with the charm and accessibility that appeal to recent college graduates. </p>
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<p>Beyond its economic strengths, Des Moines offers a vibrant cultural scene and a high quality of life. With a growing population and a welcoming community, Des Moines provides new graduates with not only professional opportunities but also a supportive environment to thrive personally. From its bustling downtown to its numerous parks and recreational activities, Des Moines combines the amenities of a large city with the charm and accessibility that appeal to recent college graduates. </p>
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<p><b>Fayetteville, AR</b>ranks second, benefiting from the economic presence of Walmart and the University of Arkansas. The city also scores well for cost of living and quality of life.<b>Madison, WI</b>-a consistent favorite-lands in third, with top marks in employment opportunities and a lively downtown culture that keeps grads engaged outside of work.</p>
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<p><b>Fayetteville, AR</b>ranks second, benefiting from the economic presence of Walmart and the University of Arkansas. The city also scores well for cost of living and quality of life.<b>Madison, WI</b>-a consistent favorite-lands in third, with top marks in employment opportunities and a lively downtown culture that keeps grads engaged outside of work.</p>
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<p><b>Omaha, NE</b>and<b>Huntsville, AL</b>round out the top five. Omaha's diversified economy and low unemployment make it a stable option, while Huntsville continues to grow as a hub for engineering and aerospace careers.</p>
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<p><b>Omaha, NE</b>and<b>Huntsville, AL</b>round out the top five. Omaha's diversified economy and low unemployment make it a stable option, while Huntsville continues to grow as a hub for engineering and aerospace careers.</p>
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<p>Other strong performers include<b>Grand Rapids, MI; Salt Lake City, UT; Indianapolis, IN; Little Rock, AR;</b>and<b>Toledo, OH</b>-cities where job growth and affordability converge with community and culture.</p>
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<p>Other strong performers include<b>Grand Rapids, MI; Salt Lake City, UT; Indianapolis, IN; Little Rock, AR;</b>and<b>Toledo, OH</b>-cities where job growth and affordability converge with community and culture.</p>
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<p>Next up, the best mid-sized cities for new college grads. </p>
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<p>Next up, the best mid-sized cities for new college grads. </p>
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<h2>America’s best mid-sized cities for new college grads</h2>
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<h2>America’s best mid-sized cities for new college grads</h2>
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<p>These communities are often overlooked, but they can be hidden gems for new grads who want solid job opportunities without the intensity or high prices of major metropolitan areas. </p>
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<p>These communities are often overlooked, but they can be hidden gems for new grads who want solid job opportunities without the intensity or high prices of major metropolitan areas. </p>
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<p>Mid-sized cities (populations between 200,000 and 500,000) offer an ideal mix of big-city energy and small-town charm. </p>
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<p>Mid-sized cities (populations between 200,000 and 500,000) offer an ideal mix of big-city energy and small-town charm. </p>
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<p>Graduates in these cities benefit from shorter commutes, access to major universities, and a more approachable cost of living.</p>
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<p>Graduates in these cities benefit from shorter commutes, access to major universities, and a more approachable cost of living.</p>
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<p><i>*Data analyzed by Checkr from US Census Bureau and Bureau of Economic Analysis</i></p>
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<p><i>*Data analyzed by Checkr from US Census Bureau and Bureau of Economic Analysis</i></p>
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<p><b>Lincoln, NE</b>is the top-ranked mid-sized city in 2025, thanks to a blend of government, education, and tech jobs, along with an expanding startup ecosystem. The cost of living remains well below the national average. With a low unemployment rate and a cost of living below the national average, Lincoln provides an ideal environment for recent graduates to launch their careers and enjoy a high quality of life. </p>
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<p><b>Lincoln, NE</b>is the top-ranked mid-sized city in 2025, thanks to a blend of government, education, and tech jobs, along with an expanding startup ecosystem. The cost of living remains well below the national average. With a low unemployment rate and a cost of living below the national average, Lincoln provides an ideal environment for recent graduates to launch their careers and enjoy a high quality of life. </p>
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<p><b>Columbia, MO</b>and<b>Kalamazoo, MI</b>hold the next two spots, supported by a high percentage of college-educated residents and a strong supply of early-career jobs in healthcare, education, and manufacturing. </p>
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<p><b>Columbia, MO</b>and<b>Kalamazoo, MI</b>hold the next two spots, supported by a high percentage of college-educated residents and a strong supply of early-career jobs in healthcare, education, and manufacturing. </p>
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<p><b>Sioux Falls, SD</b>has gained attention in recent years for its business-friendly environment and rapid population growth, offering plenty of opportunities for driven young professionals.</p>
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<p><b>Sioux Falls, SD</b>has gained attention in recent years for its business-friendly environment and rapid population growth, offering plenty of opportunities for driven young professionals.</p>
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<p><b>Fargo, ND</b>also makes the top five, continuing its reputation as a stable, innovative city with great affordability and a strong presence of higher education institutions. </p>
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<p><b>Fargo, ND</b>also makes the top five, continuing its reputation as a stable, innovative city with great affordability and a strong presence of higher education institutions. </p>
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<p>The rest of the top 10 includes<b>Evansville, IN; Green Bay, WI; Ann Arbor, MI; Champaign, IL;</b>and<b>Springfield, MO</b>-cities known for supporting young workers through active downtowns, short commutes, and growing job markets.</p>
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<p>The rest of the top 10 includes<b>Evansville, IN; Green Bay, WI; Ann Arbor, MI; Champaign, IL;</b>and<b>Springfield, MO</b>-cities known for supporting young workers through active downtowns, short commutes, and growing job markets.</p>
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<p>Next, we’ll dive into the best small cities for new college grads in 2025.</p>
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<p>Next, we’ll dive into the best small cities for new college grads in 2025.</p>
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<p>Small cities (under 200,000 population) offer young professionals a unique opportunity to build their careers in tight-knit communities with strong civic engagement and lower living costs. </p>
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<p>Small cities (under 200,000 population) offer young professionals a unique opportunity to build their careers in tight-knit communities with strong civic engagement and lower living costs. </p>
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<p>These locations often feature vibrant college-town cultures, easy access to outdoor recreation, and job markets bolstered by key local employers. </p>
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<p>These locations often feature vibrant college-town cultures, easy access to outdoor recreation, and job markets bolstered by key local employers. </p>
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<p>For grads looking for meaningful work-life balance and affordability, small cities are a compelling option.</p>
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<p>For grads looking for meaningful work-life balance and affordability, small cities are a compelling option.</p>
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<p><i>*Data analyzed by Checkr from US Census Bureau and Bureau of Economic Analysis</i></p>
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<p><i>*Data analyzed by Checkr from US Census Bureau and Bureau of Economic Analysis</i></p>
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<p><b>Iowa City, IA</b>stands out as the best small city for new college grads in 2025, thanks to its exceptional mix of career opportunities, affordability, and cultural vibrancy. Home to the University of Iowa, the city benefits from a strong academic and healthcare presence that fuels job growth across education, research, and medical fields. Iowa City also boasts a dynamic arts and literary scene, walkable neighborhoods, and a high concentration of young, educated residents-all of which create a welcoming environment for recent graduates. With low unemployment, a high labor force participation rate.</p>
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<p><b>Iowa City, IA</b>stands out as the best small city for new college grads in 2025, thanks to its exceptional mix of career opportunities, affordability, and cultural vibrancy. Home to the University of Iowa, the city benefits from a strong academic and healthcare presence that fuels job growth across education, research, and medical fields. Iowa City also boasts a dynamic arts and literary scene, walkable neighborhoods, and a high concentration of young, educated residents-all of which create a welcoming environment for recent graduates. With low unemployment, a high labor force participation rate.</p>
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<p>Second-ranked<b>Cape Girardeau, MO</b>combines historic charm with a robust healthcare and education sector, anchored by Southeast Missouri State University.<b>Grand Forks, ND</b>boasts a resilient economy tied to energy, education, and healthcare, while also being known for its safety and quality of life.</p>
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<p>Second-ranked<b>Cape Girardeau, MO</b>combines historic charm with a robust healthcare and education sector, anchored by Southeast Missouri State University.<b>Grand Forks, ND</b>boasts a resilient economy tied to energy, education, and healthcare, while also being known for its safety and quality of life.</p>
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<p><b>Columbus, IN</b>, a city known for its architecture and manufacturing base, offers a wealth of entry-level engineering and design jobs.<b>Oshkosh, WI</b>and<b>Bloomington, IL</b>provide thriving college-town atmospheres and strong job placement rates for recent grads.</p>
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<p><b>Columbus, IN</b>, a city known for its architecture and manufacturing base, offers a wealth of entry-level engineering and design jobs.<b>Oshkosh, WI</b>and<b>Bloomington, IL</b>provide thriving college-town atmospheres and strong job placement rates for recent grads.</p>
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<p>The rest of the top 10 includes<b>Mankato, MN; Midland, TX; Lawrence, KS;</b>and<b>Dubuque, IA</b>. These communities are ideal for those who want to avoid high rent and congestion while still enjoying a vibrant lifestyle with access to jobs and recreation.</p>
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<p>The rest of the top 10 includes<b>Mankato, MN; Midland, TX; Lawrence, KS;</b>and<b>Dubuque, IA</b>. These communities are ideal for those who want to avoid high rent and congestion while still enjoying a vibrant lifestyle with access to jobs and recreation.</p>
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<p>For more information and detailed rankings, check out the full list of the top 100 best cities for new college grads in 2025 below to learn more about the appealing cities that young workers might consider for their next move.</p>
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<p>For more information and detailed rankings, check out the full list of the top 100 best cities for new college grads in 2025 below to learn more about the appealing cities that young workers might consider for their next move.</p>
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<p>For more information and detailed rankings, check out the full list of the top 100 best cities for new college grads in 2025 below to learn more about the appealing cities that young workers might consider for their next move.</p>
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<p>For more information and detailed rankings, check out the full list of the top 100 best cities for new college grads in 2025 below to learn more about the appealing cities that young workers might consider for their next move.</p>
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Rank Metro Area Employment Rank Affordability Rank Social Rank 1Iowa City, IA Metro Area18643 2Lincoln, NE Metro Area301767 3Columbia, MO Metro Area219725 4Cape Girardeau, MO-IL Metro Area177162 5Kalamazoo-Portage, MI Metro Area236170 6Grand Forks, ND-MN Metro Area4711103 7Columbus, IN Metro Area273199 8Oshkosh-Neenah, WI Metro Area441159 9Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA Metro Area2011181 10Bloomington, IL Metro Area742574 11Mankato, MN Metro Area1014859 12Midland, TX Metro Area1222103 13Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR Metro Area1261955 14Madison, WI Metro Area2646140 15Lawrence, KS Metro Area8113412 16Dubuque, IA Metro Area28274 17Bismarck, ND Metro Area83299 18Sioux Falls, SD-MN Metro Area144292 19Harrisonburg, VA Metro Area1822935 20Fargo, ND-MN Metro Area1355102 21Omaha, NE-IA Metro Area1314255 22Wichita Falls, TX Metro Area7713148 23Evansville, IN Metro Area1231231 24Jefferson City, MO Metro Area4227179 25La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN Metro Area4316197 26Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA Metro Area5866103 27Huntsville, AL Metro Area1015977 28Eau Claire, WI Metro Area4950149 29Fond du Lac, WI Metro Area2558188 30Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI Metro Area559297 31Odessa, TX Metro Area5917751 32Salt Lake City-Murray, UT Metro Area7810089 33Ames, IA Metro Area1631365 34Sheboygan, WI Metro Area77324 35Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN Metro Area5437190 36Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA Metro Area7923018 37Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR Metro Area9810576 38Green Bay, WI Metro Area2215291 39Toledo, OH Metro Area11349110 40Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL Metro Area6014387 41Manhattan, KS Metro Area1651762 42Logan, UT-ID Metro Area3425947 43Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN Metro Area11823153 44Oklahoma City, OK Metro Area1279473 45Casper, WY Metro Area321338 46Ann Arbor, MI Metro Area1678554 47Lexington-Fayette, KY Metro Area75106133 48Champaign-Urbana, IL Metro Area14415426 49Victoria, TX Metro Area36120165 50Kansas City, MO-KS Metro Area8838195 51Cheyenne, WY Metro Area4854211 52Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI Metro Area8517236 53Springfield, MO Metro Area8015585 54Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN Metro Area383327 55Charlottesville, VA Metro Area24101219 56Burlington-South Burlington, VT Metro Area29108208 57Great Falls, MT Metro Area1657292 58Wichita, KS Metro Area14447123 59Appleton, WI Metro Area3321304 60Akron, OH Metro Area11778123 61Columbus, OH Metro Area11079136 62St. Louis, MO-IL Metro Area8610281 63Missoula, MT Metro Area39123187 64Muncie, IN Metro Area5328542 65Lansing-East Lansing, MI Metro Area16118723 66Ogden, UT Metro Area6620682 67Dalton, GA Metro Area7625350 68Racine-Mount Pleasant, WI Metro Area4061253 69Durham-Chapel Hill, NC Metro Area7318197 70Birmingham, AL Metro Area68110170 71Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY Metro Area10929210 72Greenville, NC Metro Area14321718 73Manchester-Nashua, NH Metro Area15103281 74Grand Island, NE Metro Area927337 75Lynchburg, VA Metro Area57196113 76Fort Wayne, IN Metro Area10094157 77Knoxville, TN Metro Area83172110 78Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN Metro Area4498233 79Bloomington, IN Metro Area11925524 80Morgantown, WV Metro Area21010458 81Decatur, AL Metro Area37163184 82Morristown, TN Metro Area45209142 83Lubbock, TX Metro Area9630122 84Salisbury, MD Metro Area4207236 85Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL Metro Area4936307 86Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI Metro Area6240302 87Amarillo, TX Metro Area18477120 88Longview, TX Metro Area60204136 89Duluth, MN-WI Metro Area46107249 90Provo-Orem-Lehi, UT Metro Area17421133 91Sioux City, IA-NE-SD Metro Area8425297 92Lebanon, PA Metro Area6167286 93Hattiesburg, MS Metro Area7032533 94Cedar Rapids, IA Metro Area12513280 95Elkhart-Goshen, IN Metro Area65235108 96Lancaster, PA Metro Area64116222 97Topeka, KS Metro Area10531265 98Dayton-Kettering-Beavercreek, OH Metro Area18776129 99Winchester, VA-WV Metro Area4092281 100Canton-Massillon, OH Metro Area8752276<p><i>*Data analyzed by Checkr from US Census Bureau and Bureau of Economic Analysis</i></p>
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Rank Metro Area Employment Rank Affordability Rank Social Rank 1Iowa City, IA Metro Area18643 2Lincoln, NE Metro Area301767 3Columbia, MO Metro Area219725 4Cape Girardeau, MO-IL Metro Area177162 5Kalamazoo-Portage, MI Metro Area236170 6Grand Forks, ND-MN Metro Area4711103 7Columbus, IN Metro Area273199 8Oshkosh-Neenah, WI Metro Area441159 9Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA Metro Area2011181 10Bloomington, IL Metro Area742574 11Mankato, MN Metro Area1014859 12Midland, TX Metro Area1222103 13Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR Metro Area1261955 14Madison, WI Metro Area2646140 15Lawrence, KS Metro Area8113412 16Dubuque, IA Metro Area28274 17Bismarck, ND Metro Area83299 18Sioux Falls, SD-MN Metro Area144292 19Harrisonburg, VA Metro Area1822935 20Fargo, ND-MN Metro Area1355102 21Omaha, NE-IA Metro Area1314255 22Wichita Falls, TX Metro Area7713148 23Evansville, IN Metro Area1231231 24Jefferson City, MO Metro Area4227179 25La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN Metro Area4316197 26Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA Metro Area5866103 27Huntsville, AL Metro Area1015977 28Eau Claire, WI Metro Area4950149 29Fond du Lac, WI Metro Area2558188 30Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI Metro Area559297 31Odessa, TX Metro Area5917751 32Salt Lake City-Murray, UT Metro Area7810089 33Ames, IA Metro Area1631365 34Sheboygan, WI Metro Area77324 35Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN Metro Area5437190 36Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA Metro Area7923018 37Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR Metro Area9810576 38Green Bay, WI Metro Area2215291 39Toledo, OH Metro Area11349110 40Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL Metro Area6014387 41Manhattan, KS Metro Area1651762 42Logan, UT-ID Metro Area3425947 43Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN Metro Area11823153 44Oklahoma City, OK Metro Area1279473 45Casper, WY Metro Area321338 46Ann Arbor, MI Metro Area1678554 47Lexington-Fayette, KY Metro Area75106133 48Champaign-Urbana, IL Metro Area14415426 49Victoria, TX Metro Area36120165 50Kansas City, MO-KS Metro Area8838195 51Cheyenne, WY Metro Area4854211 52Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI Metro Area8517236 53Springfield, MO Metro Area8015585 54Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN Metro Area383327 55Charlottesville, VA Metro Area24101219 56Burlington-South Burlington, VT Metro Area29108208 57Great Falls, MT Metro Area1657292 58Wichita, KS Metro Area14447123 59Appleton, WI Metro Area3321304 60Akron, OH Metro Area11778123 61Columbus, OH Metro Area11079136 62St. Louis, MO-IL Metro Area8610281 63Missoula, MT Metro Area39123187 64Muncie, IN Metro Area5328542 65Lansing-East Lansing, MI Metro Area16118723 66Ogden, UT Metro Area6620682 67Dalton, GA Metro Area7625350 68Racine-Mount Pleasant, WI Metro Area4061253 69Durham-Chapel Hill, NC Metro Area7318197 70Birmingham, AL Metro Area68110170 71Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY Metro Area10929210 72Greenville, NC Metro Area14321718 73Manchester-Nashua, NH Metro Area15103281 74Grand Island, NE Metro Area927337 75Lynchburg, VA Metro Area57196113 76Fort Wayne, IN Metro Area10094157 77Knoxville, TN Metro Area83172110 78Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN Metro Area4498233 79Bloomington, IN Metro Area11925524 80Morgantown, WV Metro Area21010458 81Decatur, AL Metro Area37163184 82Morristown, TN Metro Area45209142 83Lubbock, TX Metro Area9630122 84Salisbury, MD Metro Area4207236 85Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL Metro Area4936307 86Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI Metro Area6240302 87Amarillo, TX Metro Area18477120 88Longview, TX Metro Area60204136 89Duluth, MN-WI Metro Area46107249 90Provo-Orem-Lehi, UT Metro Area17421133 91Sioux City, IA-NE-SD Metro Area8425297 92Lebanon, PA Metro Area6167286 93Hattiesburg, MS Metro Area7032533 94Cedar Rapids, IA Metro Area12513280 95Elkhart-Goshen, IN Metro Area65235108 96Lancaster, PA Metro Area64116222 97Topeka, KS Metro Area10531265 98Dayton-Kettering-Beavercreek, OH Metro Area18776129 99Winchester, VA-WV Metro Area4092281 100Canton-Massillon, OH Metro Area8752276<p><i>*Data analyzed by Checkr from US Census Bureau and Bureau of Economic Analysis</i></p>
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<p><i>For more information on Check’s research or to request graphics or commentary about this study, please contact</i><a>press@checkr.com</a><i>. </i></p>
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<p><i>For more information on Check’s research or to request graphics or commentary about this study, please contact</i><a>press@checkr.com</a><i>. </i></p>
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<h2>Methodology</h2>
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<h2>Methodology</h2>
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<p>To rank America’s best cities for new college grads (ages 20-27), Checkr analyzed seven key factors from the US Census Bureau and& 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 2025.</p>
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<p>To rank America’s best cities for new college grads (ages 20-27), Checkr analyzed seven key factors from the US Census Bureau and& 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 2025.</p>
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<h4>About the author</h4>
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<h4>About the author</h4>
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<p>As Director of Communications, David tells the story of Checkr’s innovative product offerings and company achievements. David has successfully developed beloved brands through public relations at Fastly, Productboard, Ripple, and Dropbox.</p>
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<p>As Director of Communications, David tells the story of Checkr’s innovative product offerings and company achievements. David has successfully developed beloved brands through public relations at Fastly, Productboard, Ripple, and Dropbox.</p>