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Are you a recent college graduate in search of the perfect place to begin the next chapter of your life?
With so many options, it can be difficult to decide which state is best for starting out as a young adult.
Fortunately, research has recently identified the twelve most ideal states for post-graduates based on cost of living and job prospects.
From mountain ranges to bustling cities, these destinations offer something special for new grads seeking adventure and opportunity alike!
Now, settle in and discover why each state made this year’s list and how it could provide the perfect fit for you as a fresh graduate.
Table of Contents
#1. Iowa
Iowa is known for its agricultural background and being the food capital of the world, which can be appealing to nearly everyone.
Beyond that, Iowa boasts an average living wage of just $32,718, an average graduate starting salary of $41,049, and an average student loan debt of $30,988.
#2. Kansas
We’re not in Kansas anymore unless that is where you want to be.
Kansas can be a very attractive state for graduates.
They have an average living wage of $32,635, an average starting salary of $39,199 (a bit on the lower end when it comes to the gap between annual salary and living wage, but still just what you receive starting out), and an average student loan debt of $33,351 per person.
#3. Wyoming
Like Idaho, Wyoming has a very low cost of living, with the living wage threshold being $31,720.
While there is no available data on how much graduates can expect to earn here, they will be excited by the overall low cost of student debt, which comes in at around $31,250 per person.
#4. Arizona
If you don’t mind the heat and are interested in exploring the state’s rich culture, Arizona might be the place to go once you finish your bachelor’s degree.
Arizona has an average living wage of $36,982, an average starting salary of $45,903 for graduates, and an average student loan debt of $35,730.
#5. West Virginia
You might have noticed a trend in this list, with many of the best states for graduates being known for their relatively low cost of living.
Like other top states, West Virginia has a low living wage of $32,386, an average graduate salary of $44,068, and an average student loan debt of $32,330 per person.
#6. New Hampshire
New Hampshire can be desirable for many graduates due to its lack of state income tax, meaning they can save more of their paycheck and use it for living expenses.
They have an average living wage of $35,838, a whopping average graduate starting salary of $48,562, and a relatively low average student loan debt of $34,373.
#7. Alaska
Alaska is known for its serene environment and natural beauty, but it might also be one of the top states for graduates looking to get off to a great start.
Available data shows that they have an average student loan debt of $34,175, an annual living wage of $35,672, and an average starting salary of $44,313 for graduates, which is especially helpful for those who want to live closer to the city.
#8. Utah
Utah offers numerous universities and some of the best national parks, which is why it might be a desirable place for undergraduates to pursue their degrees and establish themselves.
Utah has an annual living wage of $36,234, an average student loan debt of $33,214 per person, and an average starting salary of $40,907.
#9. South Dakota
Unsurprisingly, North Dakota isn’t the only Dakota that’s worth looking into as a graduate.
You might also wish to consider South Dakota as the place to be while pursuing higher education.
While it’s a little bit further down on this list, South Dakota still has an average living wage of $31,512 (the lowest out of all 50 states), an average graduate starting salary of $41,437, and an average student loan debt of $31,979.
#10. Montana
Montana is another beautiful state with a low cost of living that many graduates might want to settle in once they’ve gotten through the hustle and bustle of college life.
Montana has an average living wage of $32,698, an average graduate starting salary of $43,838, and an average student loan debt of $34,046.
#11. North Dakota
North Dakota has been a safe haven for those looking to stretch their dollar and maximize their earning potential for some time, making it an excellent state for graduates.
North Dakota is the best at minimizing student debt, with the average student debt being around $28,604 per person.
They also boast an average starting salary of $43,200 (keep in mind that this is for graduates who don’t have children. Average salaries for families tend to be a little higher as they need more support) and have ample job opportunities for graduates, stating that 12% of the workforce is of graduate age.
#12. Idaho
Idaho has a very low cost of living, with the $33,600 living wage threshold being attractive to graduates looking to cut down on expenses.
They also have a high average graduate salary of $50,941, granting plenty of earning potential for those looking to make money immediately.
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I have over 15 years experience in the financial services industry and 20 years investing in the stock market. I have both my undergrad and graduate degrees in Finance, and am FINRA Series 65 licensed and have a Certificate in Financial Planning.
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