A recent report highlights the cities in the United States that are drawing the largest shares of 2025 college graduates. New York City continues to have the highest share of graduates, capturing 10.9% of this year’s grads. Other large metros such as the San Francisco-Bay Area, Los Angeles, Boston, and Chicago are not far behind. What makes these cities so attractive to graduates is often their strong job markets and booming industries.
New York City just had a 38% year-over-year increase in its 2024 college graduate class. The city’s leading industries are Finance, Accounting and Consulting and Technology. This sectoral diversity in industry makes it a major draw for a new generation of grads looking for jobs. The city’s dynamic economy is described as “perhaps one of the most competitive business communities and economies in the world,” according to industry expert Gates.
Second is the San Francisco-Bay Area, with 5.4% of the 2025 grads electing to make it home. The region experienced a 31% growth in its 2024 pipeline of graduates. The Bay Area needs no introduction considering its thriving Technology industry. It ranks extremely for Accounting, Consulting, and Automotive industries, solidifying its position as one of the most desirable locations for young, tech-savvy grads.
Los Angeles represents only 6.0% of the graduates on the horizon. It experienced an extraordinary 19% jump in its incoming class of 2024 graduates. The city’s diverse economy includes Aerospace and Defense, Technology, Media and Entertainment, and Accounting and Consulting as its leading industries. This mix offers plenty of room for jobseekers with various technical talents to graduate.
Boston continues to be a top draw for the 2025 college graduates, pulling in 4.7%, a gain of 11% from last year. The city is still one of the largest bastions for Finance, Accounting and Consulting, and Technology industries. Its reputation as an educational hub, along with that of nearby New Haven, makes its population draw, pulling in graduates from almost every discipline.
Chicago can be proud of producing 4.9% of new graduates. It’s seen a healthy 10% increase in its recent graduate pipeline. The city’s largest industries are Accounting and Consulting, Banking and Finance, and Technology. These industries present the most vibrant, in-demand job opportunities for recent graduates flying the proverbial coop.
The booming Dallas-Fort Worth area provides a dynamic and fast-paced environment perfect for recent graduates. This is particularly pronounced in the Finance, Accounting, Consulting, and Technology industries. Although no detailed grad stats were singled out for this vibrant area, its booming economy has an ongoing magnetic appeal for talent.