New England colleges attract a large number of students from other parts of the country, but lose them and others, not because of high housing costs, but for job-related reasons, according to an article in the May 2013 Policy Brief of the New England Public Policy Center at the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston.
“Contrary to the usual reasons offered to explain the exodus of graduates,” it said, “recent college graduates appear to be moving primarily to seek the best job opportunities.” The article found that nearly 60% of recent college graduates leaving New England said they were doing so for job-related reasons, compared to 2% who cited housing-related reasons.
The article suggested states could best retain this demographic group by “building stronger ties between colleges and local employers, to help graduates,” particularly those who came to New England colleges from elsewhere, “learn about local job opportunities and form local networks.” “Internships and co-ops can be particularly effective because they provide work experience for students, lower recruiting costs for employers, and enhance the reputation of a college or university,” it said.
The complete article can be on-line at: http://www.bostonfed.org/economic/neppc/briefs/2013/pb132.htm.
