For the second consecutive year, Raleigh, North Carolina has been recognized as the top US city for recent college graduates. The city boasts numerous job opportunities, a relatively low cost of living, and strong employment prospects.
In its analysis, ADP evaluated pay data from over 140,000 individuals aged 20-29 across more than 27,000 companies in the United States. Based on employment rates, average annual earnings, and affordable living costs, residents ranked 55 metropolitan areas.
Here are the top five cities for new graduates, according to ADP.
1. Raleigh, North Carolina
Raleigh benefits from proximity to Research Triangle, making it attractive to talent due to its flourishing high-tech industry and major universities like Duke and UNC Chapel Hill.
- Annual wage: $55,580
- Adjusted wages: $56,721
- Employment rate: not specified
2. Milwaukee
Milwaukee climbed to second place, thanks to an increase in its employment rate from 2.3% to 3.7%.
- Annual wage: $49,208
- Adjusted wages: $51,508
- Employment rate: 3.7%
3. Baltimore
Despite slipping one spot from last year, Baltimore remains a promising market for recent graduates.
- Annual wage: $52,267
- Adjusted wages: $50,907
- Employment rate: 3.5%
4. Austin, Texas
Austin dropped from third to fourth place but still shines with solid wages and good employment opportunities.
- Annual wage: $58,404
- Adjusted wages: $59,828
- Employment rate: 2.8%
5. Birmingham, Alabama
Birmingham made a significant move from 20th place last year to the top five this time.
- Annual wage: $50,786
- Adjusted wages: $54,863
- Employment rate: 2.8%
5. Denver
Denver also broke into the top five, advancing from 11th place in 2024.
- Annual wage: $59,094
- Adjusted wages: $56,018
- Employment rate: 2.7%
In contrast, Atlanta, which had topped the list in 2024, fell back with an employment rate drop to 2.2%.
The five least favorable cities for new ADP graduates in 2025:
- Portland, Oregon
- Hartford, Connecticut
- Riverside, California
- Salt Lake City, Utah
- Virginia Beach, Virginia
These cities are rated poorly due to stagnant employment growth, lower wages, and a higher cost of living relative to income.
