D.C. ranked best city for college students and graduates on lists compiled by the Business News Daily and American Institute for Economic Research.
D.C. earned the No. 1 spot on “the best cities for new college graduates” list from Business News Daily, an online newspaper focused on business related careers and news.
New York City took second place as Oklahoma City ended the 15-city list.
The cities are ranked based on employment opportunities, salary and rent for a one-bedroom apartment, according to their website.
Jen Gallagher, an AU alumna and D.C. resident for five years, said in an email the high rankings are accurate.
“The network of D.C.-based individuals and organizations was invaluable as I pursued further academic studies, and continues to be in my current position,” Gallagher said in an email.
Gallagher landed a job with the International Olympic Games six months ago as the executive administrative assistant through her D.C. connections and internship opportunities.
D.C. one of best college cities
D.C. also earned the No. 2 spot on the “American Institute for Economic Research”:https://www.aier.org/article/7841-aier-names-75-best-college-towns-and-cities-2012-2013’s list for “best major metro college city,” according to their website.
The AIER annually creates a “College Destinations Index,” which includes the leading 75 cities and towns for college students in the U.S., according to their website.
This index uses data from organizations that include the Census Bureau, Department of Housing and the Small Business Administration, to interpret each city or town’s quality of life, number of employment opportunities, level of academia and cultural environment.
One of the draws to D.C. is its geographic location, said Scott Talan, a professor in the School of Communication.
“It’s a place where a lot is happening, where internships are the norm not the exception, where the president can go by in his motorcade, Talan said. “This does not happen in Des Moines, Iowa.”
D.C. is a student’s laboratory and a place to be a lifelong learner, said Sarah Menke-Fish, a professor in the School of Communication and director of the University College program, said.
“You’re in the most powerful city in the world so this is the place, the natural place, to have your learning extended,” Menke-Fish said.
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