Southern Metros Dominate as Top Destinations for MBA Graduates in 2024

MBA graduates are seeking metropolitan areas that offer the best opportunities for early career growth and personal satisfaction.  

A recent study published by Coworking Cafe analyzed over 100 metros across the United States and has identified the top destinations for MBA graduates in 2024 — with Southern metros dominating the list. 

It’s worth noting that Washington, D.C. secured the top spot. The U.S. capital is reported to boast a highly educated workforce with “more than one-quarter of its population holding a graduate or professional degree.”  

According to Coworking Cafe, the capital also offered the highest share of jobs for MBA occupations, almost 14% of the total jobs — coupled with impressive median earnings of $125,616 annually. 

60% of the top metros for MBA graduates were located in Souther states. Cities included Atlanta and Raleigh, due to academic opportunities, career prospects, and a high quality of work-life balance.  

These metros were cited as being home to renowned MBA programs and cities that contribute to business ecosystems that attract top talent. 

Outside of the South, Coworking Cafe names two California cities, San Jose and San Francisco.  

San Jose reportedly leads the nation in terms of median earnings for MBA graduates at an impressive $160,000 annually. These metros are also known for their technology scenes and offer ample opportunities for MBA graduates to enter the fast-paced world of technology and entrepreneurship. 

Lastly, the data also highlights the importance of coworking spaces in facilitating networking and collaboration opportunities for MBA students and graduates.  

Metros like Denver and Durham stood out on the list for their high density of coworking spaces — providing conducive environments for professionals to thrive and build fruitful connections. 

MBA graduates looking to kick start the next stage in their career should consider metro areas on this list for finding their next professional opportunity.  

While remote work is still a trending influence on the U.S. workforce, it doesn’t change the fact that some cites will continue to offer greater advantages and opportunities for highly skilled professionals than others.  

By targeting regions with strong job markets, high salaries, and a well-educated workforce, professionals with MBAs can set themselves up for greater success than they would in other cities.