Graduates in Liverpool are deciding to stay and work in the city at record rates.
According to a city residential report, Liverpool retains 76.26% of their university graduates as of 2025.
This places Liverpool in the top three UK cities for graduate retention, behind Manchester and London.
Graduates are likely deciding to stay in the city due to a rise in employment opportunity.
The city has seen growth in several sectors including health, life sciences and digital and creative industries.
Liverpool’s economic turnaround has created more employment opportunities for graduates. This reduces the need for students to leave the city after their studies.
First year Liverpool John Moores student Ben Whitehouse intends to stay in Liverpool after he graduates, he stated: “It’s a fun city, there’s entry level jobs everywhere you look. It seems easier to get a job here than anywhere else.”
According to LJMU, the city has seen a 7% increase in high-skilled roles for LJMU undergraduates over the past four years. This rate is four times higher than the national average.
Manchester, which has a graduate retention rate of 76.3%, has an average income of £33,715 whereas Liverpool’s average income is slightly higher at £34,172.
Rent and apartment prices are also around 30% cheaper than Manchester. This makes staying in Liverpool an attractive option for many graduates.
Liverpool has been able to keep its graduates working in the city through a combination of pulling in talent from around the country and nurturing talent in those from around the city.
First year LJMU media student Andreja Zogovaite stated: “I want to stay in Liverpool after my studies because it’s a fun city and the film industry is growing, I’d like to take the opportunity to work in the industry.”
