ST. LOUIS — Washington University in St. Louis is releasing a report on retaining college graduates in the city. Salary is the main determinant of whether graduates stay or leave, according to a study by WashU’s Center for Analytics and Business Insights. Social connections and career advancement opportunities are the next two most important factors.
The report suggests that St. Louis is well-positioned to attract graduates but needs to focus on education and awareness. Recommendations include creating personalized experiences for students, collaborating with local businesses to offer competitive salaries and internships, and developing tailored retention strategies for different university schools.
WashU Chancellor Andrew D. Martin emphasized the importance of this initiative for regional growth. The university will host a conference on October 9, 2024, to discuss the findings with local leaders. This study is part of WashU’s broader “In St. Louis, for St. Louis” initiative, aimed at contributing to the city’s development and prosperity.