Cincinnati tops the list of best places for recent college graduates
‘The country is discovering out what we have already known,’ says UC administrator
Many recent college graduates are choosing cities to call home after receiving that freshly-minted degree. Cincinnati has consistently been ranked by data analysts as a top destination for these eager new workers.
Financial website SmartAsset released a ranking with seven out of the 10 cities located in Midwest. The Queen City was No. 1 in that ranking. Three categories — jobs, affordability and fun — help drive the decision to pick that first place out of college. The score also considers the number of dining and entertainment establishments along with bar and restaurant reviews and how much of the population is in their 20s.
It’s no surprise at the University of Cincinnati that the Queen City has a top ranking.
“It is great that the country is discovering what we have already known: Cincinnati is a terrific place to learn, live, work and play,” says Jack Miner, vice provost for enrollment management at UC.
One of the realities for new graduates from across Ohio is that their friends that are Bearcats brag about how great this city is.
Jack Miner Vice provost for enrollment management
Miner says the city and UC are really riding a wave of success which includes “incredible enrollment at UC, terrific seasons for the Bearcats and the Bengals, and incredible growth in the business community.”
“UC has seen nearly a decade of growth and our students tell us that it isn’t just UC that is their destination but this city,” says Miner. “They love the culture, the arts, the entertainment, and most of all, the great career opportunities they have right here when they graduate.
“Our co-op program isn’t just strong because of our great students but because of the partnerships we have created with the business community right here in Cincinnati.
“One of the realities for new graduates from across Ohio is that their friends that are Bearcats brag about how great this city is.”
Read the original study from SmartAsset online.
More great news about Cincinnati:
- For the fourth year in a row, the Queen City finished No. 1 on SmartAsset’s ranking of the best cities for new college grads in 2022.
- Cincinnati named best place to live in Ohio fourth year in a row. Here's why
- U.S. News: Cincinnati ranks as best place to live in Ohio, again
- Cincinnati named 9th best summer travel destination in the U.S.
Featured image at top: Unsplash
Related Stories
Ancient warming event hints at potential climate tipping point
August 12, 2026
Researchers say a spike in temperatures during an ice age 304 million years ago could inform what climate scientists are learning about rapidly changing conditions today.
What is a trademark?
August 11, 2026
Sean Owens, an adjunct professor in the Donald P. Klekamp College of Law, discussed trademark law with the Dayton Daily News. Owens is also a partner at intellectual property law firm Wood Herron & Evans in Cincinnati.
UC radiation oncologist speaks with Local 12 news about clinical trial for head and neck cancer treatment
August 10, 2026
Dr. Sara Medek, a UC radiation oncology professor, speaks with Local 12 news about a new clinical trial aimed at reducing radiation in certain areas while still treating cancer effectively but with fewer painful side effects.