WSJ names Birmingham among top 5 best places in U.S. for recent college graduates starting their career

—

July 21, 2025

According to The Wall Street Journal, the Birmingham-Hoover area is one of the top metros in the U.S. for recent college graduates looking to begin their professional careers with a new, reputable job.

The study, conducted by ADP Research indicated that the state’s third-largest metro has become a major destination for new graduates.

The Birmingham Business Alliance celebrated the top-five ranking and shared why the Magic City continues to attract new talent.

“The Wall Street Journal just tipped its hat to Birmingham-naming us one of the top U.S. cities for landing your first job,” the organization said in a social media post.

“BHM ranked among the best places for recent college grads to start their careers-and we couldn’t agree more. With our affordable, low cost of living, vibrant industries, and talent-focused programs like FuelAL, Birmingham is a place where young professionals can thrive. And more of them are choosing more reasons than ever to build their careers and their futures here.”

? @WSJ has tipped its hat to BHM! BHM = a top city for landing your first job and is ranked among the best U.S. cities for recent college grads starting their careers. Our low cost of living + exciting industries make BHM a place where YPs thrive. https://t.co/5QNctro3jG pic.twitter.com/3uP2d6cfsG

— Birmingham Business Alliance (@bhmbizalliance) July 18, 2025

The WSJ article noted that UAB, UAB Hospital, and other large employers in healthcare, finance, and technology played a significant role in the achievement.

For the rankings, ADP took into account 55 metro populations across the country with populations of at least 1,000,000, ranking them by annual wages, hiring rates, and affordability.

Cities evaluated had a hiring rate ranging from 1.8 percent in Salt Lake City to 4.2 percent in Raleigh, N.C. More than half had a hiring rate of more than 2.5 percent.

The top ranking on the list was claimed by Raleigh, North Carolina. Other cities in the top five included Milwaukee, WI, Baltimore, MD, and Austin, TX.

Austen Shipley is the News Director for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @ShipleyAusten

Recent in Analysis

Alabama tried something different – and its education results are improving

Dale Jackson — 3 weeks ago

Alabama’s reading and math performance is improving, and even outlets like The New York Times are taking notice. The state made changes that broke from traditional education approaches, and early results are strong enough that other states are now being urged to follow similar models. This video looks at what Alabama changed, why it worked, […]

7 Things: More Epstein unredactions; Tuberville lobbies for SAVE Act; poll finds Britt endorsement packs punch; and more…

Dale Jackson — 3 weeks ago

7. NCAA President Charlie Baker says the organization is not in a position to further sanction Alabama for playing Charles Bediako during his temporary eligibility under court order, as losing in court does not allow punishment of the winning party, so Alabama’s three wins will remain intact with no record vacating required, despite teams like […]