Despite ongoing economic uncertainty, recent college graduates continue to gravitate toward major U.S. cities, according to Jones Lang LaSalle’s (JLL) 2025 *Talent Hubs* report.
The top three destinations for the Class of 2025 are New York City, the San Francisco–Bay Area, and Los Angeles. John Gates, CEO of Markets at JLL Americas, notes that a “relatively high percentage” of college graduates move to urban centers each year—a trend that has held steady into 2025.
This year, 1.47 million new graduates entered office-based roles, and of those, 36% relocated to a different metropolitan area, with 23% moving across state lines. While the broader labor market has been volatile, Gates emphasizes that job availability remains the primary driver behind these relocations. “Graduates go where the jobs are,” he says.
All cities on JLL’s list share strong local economies and a high concentration of corporate employers, creating consistent demand for entry-level talent. The 2025 rankings closely mirror last year’s, with one notable change: Dallas–Fort Worth entered the top 10, displacing Houston.
Each city’s position is determined by its overall economic scale and the caliber of university graduates choosing to launch their careers there.
Here are the top 10 U.S. talent hubs for 2025, along with the share of new graduates moving there, year-over-year growth in 2024 graduate inflows, and dominant industries:
1. **New York City**
- Share of 2025 grads: 10.9%
- YoY increase (2024 grads): 38%
- Top industries: Finance, Accounting & Consulting, Technology
2. **San Francisco–Bay Area**
- Share of 2025 grads: 5.4%
- YoY increase: 31%
- Top industries: Technology, Accounting & Consulting, Automotive
3. **Los Angeles**
- Share of 2025 grads: 6.0%
- YoY increase: 19%
- Top industries: Aerospace & Defense, Technology, Media & Entertainment, Accounting & Consulting
4. **Boston**
- Share of 2025 grads: 4.7%
- YoY increase: 11%
- Top industries: Finance, Accounting & Consulting, Technology
5. **Chicago**
- Share of 2025 grads: 4.9%
- YoY increase: 10%
- Top industries: Accounting & Consulting, Banking & Finance, Technology
6. **Washington, D.C.**
- Share of 2025 grads: 3.8%
- YoY increase: 47%
- Top industries: Accounting & Consulting, Government, Aerospace & Defense
7. **Atlanta**
- Share of 2025 grads: 3.4%
- YoY increase: 3%
- Top industries: Technology, Accounting & Consulting, Finance
8. **Philadelphia**
- Share of 2025 grads: 2.8%
- YoY increase: 1%
- Top industries: Finance, Accounting & Consulting, Life Sciences
9. **Dallas–Fort Worth**
- Share of 2025 grads: 3.1%
- YoY increase: 26%
- Top industries: Finance, Accounting & Consulting, Technology
10. **Seattle**
- Share of 2025 grads: 2.4%
- YoY increase: 14%
- Top industries: Technology, Aerospace & Defense
Gates isn’t surprised that New York City leads the pack, calling it “perhaps one of the most competitive business communities and economies in the world”—a powerful draw for ambitious graduates. Similarly, West Coast hubs like San Francisco and Los Angeles remain magnets for talent, especially those with STEM degrees. “Northern California is widely seen as the epicenter of innovation and technology,” Gates explains.
Proximity to elite universities also plays a key role. Metro areas such as Boston, New York, and Philadelphia benefit from nearby top-tier institutions, while Los Angeles draws heavily from California’s extensive and respected public university system.
Affordability is another consideration. Cities like Atlanta, Chicago, and Seattle offer strong job markets at a lower cost of living compared to coastal powerhouses, making them appealing to budget-conscious graduates.
Dallas–Fort Worth’s rise into the top 10 reflects a broader trend: the region has seen a “surge in job growth” fueled by an influx of corporate relocations.
In the end, Gates sums it up simply: “Cities with thriving employment markets will consistently attract top talent.”