College enrollment rates have been on the decline in recent years as many young adults grapple with the cost of attendance versus the long-term value of an undergraduate diploma.[1] While data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) shows that more advanced degrees correspond directly with higher wages, the data doesn't account for the cost of each degree.[2]
Earnings also vary widely for individuals who opt out of college. There are still plenty of earnings opportunities, particularly in specific industries that are set for major growth in the years ahead.
The Zebra set out to find the best cities for professionals without a college degree. In addition to looking at median earnings and average rent prices, we also chose four occupations across different industries identified by the BLS as having high wages and strong growth potential through 2030.[3] Here are all six data points we analyzed for the 50 most populous cities in the U.S.:
- Median earnings for high school graduates
- Average rent price by city for a one-bedroom apartment
- Location quotient for the following professions (based on source above about gross potential):
- Tile and stone setters
- Industrial machinery mechanics
- Commercial pilots
- Private detectives and investigators
Check out the 10 best cities for professionals without a college degree, balancing both finances and job growth opportunities.