Sioux Falls No. 4 Mid-Sized City for New Grads
Checkr recently released a list of the top 100 US cities for recent college graduates,
and Sioux Falls ranked No. 4 for mid-size cities.
Most of the top cities in Checkr’s analysis are located in the Midwest and South because
those regions have a balance of education and employment opportunities with a lower
cost of living. The rankings also take into account the more personal side of starting
a career, such as vibrant communities and social connections.
What makes Sioux Falls stand out as a place for new graduates to launch a career is
the higher-than-average level of affordability combined with a business-friendly environment.
This environment has been attracting a wide range of companies and talent in recent
years.
The population of Sioux Falls has increased by about 11% since the last census was
done five years ago, and is continuing to grow at a steady rate of about 2% every
year. The city officially crossed into mid-size status—defined as cities with populations
between 200,000 and 500,000—in 2022. This steady growth fuels demand across many industries,
creating new opportunities for students and young professionals entering the workforce.
Southeast Technical College graduates are well-positioned to take advantage of these opportunities. According to the 2023 Graduate Outcomes Report, 98% of STC graduates are employed in their major or chosen field within six months of graduation, and 86% of graduates are working in South Dakota. This high placement rate underscores the college’s commitment to preparing students for the workforce and contributing to the local economy.
June 05, 2025