👩‍🎓 Ohio students sticking around

The vast majority of college or university students in Ohio end up staying in the Buckeye State after graduation.

Yes, but: We're still experiencing the effect of "brain drain" — with some grads preferring life in Chicago and the coasts.

Why it matters: Ohio is competing to attract and retain a well-educated workforce, which would benefit ambitious companies like Intel.

• Places with a higher percentage of college graduates, such as Delaware County, tend to record better health and economic outcomes.

The big picture: Around two-thirds of all U.S. students stay to work in the state they graduated from, per the National Bureau of Economic Research.

• Grads are more likely to stay in-state if they complete two-year degrees or attend a four-year public school.
• Fewer than half of the graduates from Midwest schools (47%) stay in the nearest metro area, tied with the South for the lowest percentage of any U.S. region.

Zoom in: Like most other states, Ohio loses more graduates to the rest of the country than it takes in — though our deficit is not as dramatic as some neighbors.

• More than three-quarters of Ohio graduates remain working here. Those who leave most often wind up in Illinois, New York or California.

Of note: Among professions most likely to stay put are those working in education, health care, agriculture and business.

• Grads are more migratory if they studied religion, culinary arts, engineering and journalism. (Alissa and Tyler being Ohio-loving exceptions!)

The bottom line: Ohio has spent years advertising itself as a cheaper and preferable alternative to those three states.

• The data suggest we've still got some convincing to do.