A nationwide study by Michael Betz shows that in the 1990s, college grads were moving to cities with fast-growing “smart” industries in fields like tech. But in the less vibrant national economy that emerged after 2000, bachelor’s degree graduates flock to the largest cities with the biggest labor markets and the best chances of landing a job. To attract new grads, Betz suggests city leaders work to create a stable and growing labor market that signifies to grads that they could find a good job there.

Research by Michael Betz
Assistant professor
Human Development and Family Science