Most 4-year graduates work in same state as their alma mater, report finds
Executive Take
Local talent pipelines matter more than recruiting from outside. Companies and states should invest in retaining graduates from nearby schools instead of chasing talent from elsewhere.
Executive Summary
A new analysis finds most four-year college graduates work in the same state where they earned their degree. The report suggests states aiming to grow a college-educated workforce should prioritize retaining local graduates, called "homegrown talent," rather than trying to attract workers from outside the state.
Why It Matters
HR leaders building regional talent strategies should focus recruiting budgets on local universities rather than distant markets. This also signals to policymakers that education and workforce development funding pay off close to home.
Bizquad Perspective
Most talent strategies still chase flashy out-of-state recruiting when the cheaper, higher-yield move is deepening ties with local universities graduates already stay near.