Parade, tree lighting at Greene
Ribbon cut for bike path
2-car crash injures child
Home > Blogs > Ohio politics > Archives > 2009 > June > 15 > Entry
Study: Ohio losing its future as grads flee
Well-educated young people may be the key to Ohio’s economic future but unless things change, they’ll continue to flee the state.
That’s the conclusion of a new survey, released Monday, June 15, by the Thomas B. Fordham Institute, which is headquartered in Washington, D.C. and has an Ohio office in Dayton.
The study, based on online interviews with 811 college students, is titled “Losing Ohio’s Future: Why college graduates flee the Buckeye state and what might be done about it”.
Key findings include:
*88 percent of native Ohioans say they are proud of Ohio but 51 percent plan to leave after graduation.
*Overall, 89 percent say good jobs will be very important in deciding where to live after graduation, but just 11 percent give Ohio excellent prospects.
*60 percent like the idea of a state cash grant for a down payment on a home as an incentive to stay in Ohio.
*More than half - 59 percent - are interested in local business internships while 53 percent like co-op programs.
*65 percent like a state income tax credit for those staying in Ohio for 10 years.
Release of the survey comes with Gov. Ted Strickland and legislators trying to fill a $3.2 billion shortfall in the new state budget without cutting support for higher education. The Senate version of the state budget already cut out a $94 million internship program aimed at keeping bright college students in Ohio.
“The survey shows that the young people are interested in things like co-ops and internships,” said Terry Ryan, Fordham Institute vice president for Ohio programs and policy. “They want to understand how what they’re learning in schools ties into real work.”
The FDR Group, a non-partisan New York city based research group, used Facebook and random samples provided by seven Ohio colleges to do the survey with sophomores, juniors and seniors. The colleges were: University of Dayton; Miami University; Oberlin College: Ohio State University; Ohio University; Case Western Reserve University and Kent State University.
The survey cost about $75,000, said Ryan.
Permalink | Comments (70) | Post your comment |
Comments
By Why I moved
June 17, 2009 12:25 PM | Link to this
It’s hard to believe that some of you were my neighbors and I hope I don’t know who any of you are. There is so much hate, racism and ignorance in this thread it makes me sick. Most of the responses have nothing to do with the main topic of discussion. I am a current college graduate. When I say college graduate I mean in graduated in 2005 and due to the saturated job market of applicants and zero jobs I have had to work 6 days a week, 55-60 hours a week between two jobs that have nothing to do with what I majored in college. I didn’t have health insurance for 4 years and I was tired and miserable. That is why I left Ohio. There was nothing for me there no matter where I moved or how many applications I turned in.By Ready to Go Soon
June 17, 2009 1:42 AM | Link to this
Too little, too late. Nothing here for young people to do, only staying for family, hope to leave soon,people here are backwardBy John Adams
June 16, 2009 10:37 PM | Link to this
Where the hell were you guys when Ken Blackwell talked about the “brain-drain” in his campaign? This has been happening for some time.By Emily
June 16, 2009 4:46 PM | Link to this
Speaking as a 22-year-old graduate from a New England college, and native of Ohio: There are talented, brilliant, passionate, and well-intentioned people here. I’ve had the privilege to meet extraordinary Dayton youths (yes, that means city and suburbs) whose promise continues to inspire me. I want to see this city and state become healthy again, become brave and cutting-edge again. We /invented/ the modern world and have allowed it to slip away. I’m 22. Yes, I’m naive and idealistic, and I see opportunity in hardship. But I’m only going to hold on for so long. Prophecies of doom tend to be self-fulfilling, and there’s only so much pessimism, doubt, and mediocre thought that I can take before I really do pack up my bags and head back east. If you want Dayton and Ohio to prosper, do something to further that goal. If you don’t, why are you still here?By won't happen
June 16, 2009 2:28 PM | Link to this
Ever. ACORN, Franken , Panthers, Florida elections, Ohio elections, 50 years of attempting to “change”. This country is winding down to civil war in our lifetime.By Bob540
June 16, 2009 11:11 AM | Link to this
I hope and expect that Dayton and Ohio are just in a temporary down cycle. As others noted, there are problems everywhere, maybe a bit worse here at present, but things can change. But, we have to stop being so belligerant and come to a point of working together instead of tearing apart.By middsteve
June 16, 2009 1:53 AM | Link to this
Judy and others….I don’t care WHAT color he is,he is a left wing RADICAL socialist(with a Muslim background).Muslims want to kill us & socialist want to destroy us from the inside out.By that's funny
June 15, 2009 11:00 PM | Link to this
“Young professionals”: translate more stinking lawyers. Take a flying leap young lawyer..you are the reason we are in this mess.By to you're the reason
June 15, 2009 10:54 PM | Link to this
What’s the matter? Too close to the truth for you. Either you’re a pampered son of wealth or you’re a product of affirmative action. Either way you obviously think that your degree means something and that your midwest ivy league education impresses. It doesn’t So take your attitude and your prelaw political science degree to Harvard or Yale and then come on out and do some volunteer work with the ACLU or whatever. Leave the hard decisions to the adultsBy hey your the reason
June 15, 2009 10:47 PM | Link to this
AW yet ANOTHER 22 year old who has seen nothing, DONE nothing and knows it all. Who said I was in OHIO you flipping idiot.By carolinagalnow
June 15, 2009 10:18 PM | Link to this
So some of you will take South Carolina over Ohio? Better be prepared for one of the most backward, extremely conservative states in the Union. Left OH in 1972 for more opportunity in Chicago to pay off my sstudent loan, never regretted or looked back. OH still does not have much to offfer its young people except higher taxes to support less motivated individuals. Same oBy sally m turner
June 15, 2009 10:11 PM | Link to this
I left the Dayton area in 1972. Went to Chicago because just like now, there was not enough “meaningul and gainful” employment to be found.By Dayton Is Hell on Earth
June 15, 2009 8:43 PM | Link to this
My young family moved to Dayton in 1992. Shortly after we arrived, the story was all over the news of the crackhead mother who clubbed her daughter to death with a plaster arm cast, then hid her body in some abandoned factory. That was my first taste of The Gem City (what a joke), and I’m sorry to say things have gotten much worse instead of better since then. Dayton has become the laughing stock of the civilized world with our microwave baby killers and our meth labs. I have told my sons repeatedly DO NOT stay in Dayton. Get your education and GET OUT. The world is your oyster. Get out and make a decent life for yourself where people respect each other and the law. Dayton is a rundown, lawless town. We would move back to PA in a heartbeat if it were financially possible. For now, we’re trapped here.wcivilized world with ourBy Dayton Is Hell on Earth
June 15, 2009 8:43 PM | Link to this
My young family moved to Dayton in 1992. Shortly after we arrived, the story was all over the news of the crackhead mother who clubbed her daughter to death with a plaster arm cast, then hid her body in some abandoned factory. That was my first taste of The Gem City (what a joke), and I’m sorry to say things have gotten much worse instead of better since then. Dayton has become the laughing stock of the civilized world with our microwave baby killers and our meth labs. I have told my sons repeatedly DO NOT stay in Dayton. Get your education and GET OUT. The world is your oyster. Get out and make a decent life for yourself where people respect each other and the law. Dayton is a rundown, lawless town. We would move back to PA in a heartbeat if it were financially possible. For now, we’re trapped here.wcivilized world with ourBy Dayton Is Hell on Earth
June 15, 2009 8:35 PM | Link to this
My family moved to Dayton in 1992. Shortly after we arrived, the story hit the news of the crackhead mother who clubbed her daughter to death with a plaster arm cast, then hid her body in some abandoned building. That was my first taste of Dayton, and I’m sorry to say things have gotten much worse instead of better since then. Dayton has become the laughing stock of the civilized world with our microwave baby killers and our meth labs. My kids are both in middle school, and I have told them repeatedly that the whole world is their oyster. Do NOT stay in Dayton! The East Coast has more educated people, a far better society in general. We would leave today for PA if it were financially possible. There is nothing here. I hate this crummy town and its ignorant, lazy worthless people. of the civilized world with ourBy You're the Reason
June 15, 2009 8:17 PM | Link to this
From below: “The problem is we now have a radical black man in office that also happens to be muslim.” Hey redneck, coming from a Miami student who’s graduating in December, dumb people like yourself are the reason we’re leaving Ohio. I’ve lived in Cincinnati my entire life and had to deal with uneducated hillbillies like yourself. I can’t WAIT to get away from people like you…. Oh, and the fact that there aren’t any jobs in Ohio kind of pushes us away as well. Plus there’s always the complete lack of night life for young professionals, or affordable, nice urban housing (young people like to live in the city near things to do)… But mainly it’s just the rednecks.By to keith
June 15, 2009 6:12 PM | Link to this
Wakeup Keith. Ohio is run by the most corrupt democratic politicians in the country other than Florida. Since when does anyone in this country listen to Christians or even allow them the same benefits as any other religion. Your arguement makes absolutely nooo sense.By on the money
June 15, 2009 6:09 PM | Link to this
Oh you’d love Dakota. The state bird is the mosquito, the state tree is the telephone pole and the state language is a tie between German and Norwegian.By retired
June 15, 2009 5:05 PM | Link to this
I moved to Ohio in 1969, retired after 40 years here, and plan to stay. Ohio has its faults, but so do other places, often worse. Apparently North Dakota has the most healthy economy today. Somehow I doubt that I’ll pack up for life on the northern plains.By TraceyJ
June 15, 2009 3:20 PM | Link to this
I left Ohio in 1985 and came back in 1998. BAD CHOICE! Get out while you can!By ezd286
June 15, 2009 2:59 PM | Link to this
Who can blame them for leaving. I think it would be the best choice they could make. I have lived here all of my life and just continue to watch things go downhill. I would leave as well if I could but just cannot at this time. But I can assure when I retire you will not find me here.By Kate
June 15, 2009 2:29 PM | Link to this
I will be graduating in a year from Miami, which I only attend b/c I work for the county and its Miami is close. I plan on leaving Ohio. 1) Jobs There are no jobs for my prospective career. They are in WA, MA, VA and along the east coast. I have researched this for the last 3 yrs. 2)The economy has hit many places, but currently my employer is going through more layoffs and it is unstable. 3)There isn’t a young college grad atmosphere around here.By Keith
June 15, 2009 2:24 PM | Link to this
Christian Coalition in charge of Ohio for too long.Legalizing gambling would be a step toward fiscal solvency but the CC will never allow it. Get out of Ohio while you can.By ccv
June 15, 2009 1:46 PM | Link to this
Ohio surely wasn’t graded “F” by all those students taking advantage of in-state tuition. If students wouldn’t pay it, schools wouldn’t charge what they charge.By that's funny
June 15, 2009 1:44 PM | Link to this
Been there. If you think Ohio liberals are bad, wait til you see the southern variety. Frying pan in to the fire. I don’t think anyone really cares if a black man is prez. The problem is we now have a radical black man in office that also happens to be muslim. Arlen Spector would havebeen an excellent choiceBy P
June 15, 2009 1:44 PM | Link to this
YES LAW52 THAT WAS FOR YOU…..By Jerome
June 15, 2009 1:42 PM | Link to this
Fred, The government needs to take a pro-US business stance. Imports should follow the same standards as if they were manufactured in the US, and the burden of paying for the testing should be on the importer and should be done here in the US. This would go a long way to improving the safety of the imported products and make US manufacturing more competitive since they are burdened with these costs. Government should also put tax penalties on US companies relocating jobs to other countries, and lower the tax burden of keeping those jobs here in the US. In fact, we should stop taxing US Businesses and find another source of revenue to replace that revenue such as terrify (forget “free” trade, it is not a level playing field due to the cost of living here in the US and we should no longer encourage the increase in the trade deficit which redistributes US wealth overseas). We also need to educate our population for the year 2000 instead of the 1950’s when a HS diploma could get you a good paying job, now you need a college degree which is becoming increasingly more expensive, and burdening the young professionals with too much debt to start out. And finally we need to cut the cost of health care and pharmaceuticals so that they more closely match those of the rest of the world. It is disgusting that we allow the drug companies to charge twice what they do in other countries for the same drug. This practice should be illegal. The rest of the industry should be regulated as well since there is not an effective link between supply/demand economics to keep the cost down and no reason for the industry to find a way to reduce cost.By P
June 15, 2009 1:42 PM | Link to this
what makes Ohio a “sucky place”to live are people with attitudes as shown in comment number one.By LAW52
June 15, 2009 1:31 PM | Link to this
The climate and nasty rednecks and hillbillies makes Ohio one sucky place to live. I’ll take South Carolina.By Tomas
June 15, 2009 1:25 PM | Link to this
Ohio is a backward state and grads are most likely seeking opportunities where available. We have no casinos and many other opportunities are not here for activities as well. There are laws against many things as Ohio continues to live in a caveman mentality. The people in this state are too staid and conservative. Check the census counts-MANY people are leaving. I don’t blame the grads for bailing out.By FredB
June 15, 2009 1:14 PM | Link to this
Ohio is unable to arrest it’s decline. Those of us who want to stay here will be forced out due to lack of opportunity. Companies need to stop outsourcing, offshoring and downsizing so that jobs can remain in this country and people can afford to live. They are laying off their customers, soon there will be nobody left to buy. Government needs to take a pro-business stance and support American companies and workers.By Bob540
June 15, 2009 1:13 PM | Link to this
There are two issues here: a) Career Jobs b) Social Life. Young people aren’t going to stay in Ohio if career prospects are lacking. Young people who crave a vibrant city with plenty of like-minded young people to associate with likely won’t stay in Dayton or even in Ohio. Both things must be addressed: Develop professional-type job opportunities and develop the city into a place that people come to recreate and have fun. That is the only solution.By Dana
June 15, 2009 1:03 PM | Link to this
CCV, Ohio was given an “F” for college affordability.By ccv
June 15, 2009 12:58 PM | Link to this
After benefitting from a heavily subsidized higher education, hard-working, by-their-own-bootstraps Ohio graduates turn their backs on the state that gave them an edge in the world. A higher ed degree in Ohio is an excellent deal for Ohio residents. We should start charging full tuition to Ohio residents and give them tax incentives for remaining in Ohio after they graduate. For those who feel entitled to a higher education and a high-paying job, you can now pay for the education and go wherever you want for the job without stiffing your home state.By de
June 15, 2009 12:54 PM | Link to this
You people are idiots, all the comments are slams against political parties.. They have nothing to do with the fact that ohio government screwed and and believe me left or right governments screw up, look at the last 8 years, then look at the eight years before that(both screw-ups) and as far as the next 4 years(hopefully only 4) god help us!! the inmates are running the asylumBy collegekid
June 15, 2009 12:50 PM | Link to this
I wish everyone would stop bringing politics into this. I want to leave Ohio when I graduate as well, not because of politics but because of the way people act in this blasted state. Many kids in the schools have learned too much laziness from their parents and too many parents think everything is all about them and that they “need” to be helped by the government, whether it be tax breaks, free home & food, or whatever else their little heart’s desire. Wake up people, I’m only 19 and I can see that not all the problems of this state and country are the fault of the government. Get off your high horse and open your eyes. Republicans, democrats, independents, the green party and everyone else in politics is dirty, they all lie, cheat, and only look out for themselves. The sooner you realize this and start looking out for the kids in this area the better chance you have of those kids sticking around.By JUDI
June 15, 2009 12:43 PM | Link to this
The problem with Ohio is everybody has chip on their shoulder, is uneducated, can’t think beyond party lines, cares only about themselves (doesn’t play well with others), and can’t stomach having a black man for president.By flipper
June 15, 2009 12:31 PM | Link to this
Ohio is going to slip right in between Arkansas and Missouri for depressed state status. Welcome to the bottom, OhioBy neurotic conservative
June 15, 2009 12:17 PM | Link to this
Neurotic? Gee I’ve never had a liberal call me names before…..at least not before 1pm. Original.By Jerome
June 15, 2009 12:10 PM | Link to this
If the jobs were here more people would stay. We are losing jobs and so we are loosing the educated population that is most able to move to where the jobs are. Find a way to bring jobs into the state and you will reverse the trend.By Henry Essick
June 15, 2009 12:07 PM | Link to this
Ohio is fast becoming the Mississippi of the future. At one time Mississippi was considered one of the least desirable states for employment due to it’s poor school systems, lack of development, and overall negative public persona. Though the labor was cheap non union most companies had no desire to locate there. Mississippi was full of ignorant and violent people, or at least that was the impression most people shared. It was synonymous with evil and many of it’s citizens were fleeing to the north for better jobs and conditions. Look at what is happening in this state. Very similar to the Mississippi of the past isn’t it? The problem in Ohio has to do with the leadership and how the state is legislated. Companies are migrating to the non pro union states which have right to work laws. All the issues I’ve raised are the reasons Ohio is losing so many companies.By resident
June 15, 2009 12:04 PM | Link to this
What do you expect Jim. Ohio has a worse rep than Florida does for Demmie shennanigans. ACORN made you clowns look like hicks. Why would anyone want to live in an environment of deceit like that. I suppose you supported the Panthers and their Poll monitoring during the elections as well. Back in Alabama they used to call that KLAN activity during reconstruction. Good to see Ohio has “progressed” as far as the 1866 South. Get a life. Lying about your perceptions and personal agenda doesn’t help anyone and you are as transparent as the rest of the lying left.By us citizen
June 15, 2009 11:59 AM | Link to this
Jim you are either retired or wealthy. NOONE in this country with any common sense can look at this president and see anything but a man with a huge chip on his shoulder and a geet even mentality. If you can honestly say you see a specific plan to help this country as we dig in deeper and deeper with economic problems, the threat of nuclear war and a constant bashing of this country along with a Muslimbias, then more power to you. I think Naive doesn’t quite define your character at all.By Jim
June 15, 2009 11:57 AM | Link to this
It’s amazing to me how angry and nasty you conservatives are. What a bunch of sore losers. You guys forget that over 300 billion of the stimulus package went for tax cuts, yet you still want to label Obama socialist and fascist. How do you go from socialism to fascism? Limbaugh,like Cheney, will say anything to further the “party line” Too many of you buy the line, regardless of truth. No wonder college grads split from Ohio, with all the right wing neurotics living here.By Julie
June 15, 2009 11:52 AM | Link to this
Patti is right, but she also should have included the federal level as well. Get out of the military and come back in civil service.By thats even better Jim
June 15, 2009 11:51 AM | Link to this
Talk about the party line. So what would you call him? Liberal? Even liberal demmies are shocked by this guy. Keep burying your head until there is nothing left. I’ll take Bill Clinton’s womanizing and beer swilling any day of the week….at least he was liberal and not fanatic. Jim you are so naive. You could care less about the truth of the matter, as long as you can have a bumpersticker saying you voted for Obama….what a progressive. Take your guilt and do something constructive with it….like tell the truth.By Jeff
June 15, 2009 11:47 AM | Link to this
More taxes, more money for schools, bigger government these things need to be reversed. Think Kasich!By resident
June 15, 2009 11:47 AM | Link to this
What is sad is that Ohio (and specifically the Dayton area) has some incredible colleges. But manufacturing in the region has taken such a hit that there is nothing left. What are the grads supposed to do? Unless you have a professional degree of some sort, a BA means almost nothing in this economy. The other options are the lottery or VP of daddy’s existing business which apparently happens all the time anymore.By Jim
June 15, 2009 11:44 AM | Link to this
That’s Good Maria, “Fascist dictator in charge”? And you want to accuse someone of hate mongering? Wow, the hypocrisy of far right is astounding. You guys throw these labels around with no idea of what they really mean. Just sing the party line, no matter how wacky it is.By middsteve
June 15, 2009 11:43 AM | Link to this
liberal rag!!!By Spitbaby
June 15, 2009 11:38 AM | Link to this
Ohio is Detroit, but on a larger scale. Nothing here folks, move along now….By notgloomanddoom
June 15, 2009 11:37 AM | Link to this
Ohio has a lot to offer. There is beautiful country that still remains,especially in s.e. oh. Property prices are relatively cheap, especially compared to the populous states that so many ran to like n.y., ca, fl,. It is the cities that are rotting due in large part to the unrestrained growth of the suburbs over past decades. Think it is economically tough here? Go to ca or mi.By middsteve
June 15, 2009 11:33 AM | Link to this
Maria:you are the typical lib idiot.You have no idea about how taxes come about or how governments work.You have been told who to hate & you do it& don’t even know why.By Lou
June 15, 2009 11:32 AM | Link to this
To finish my comment… we have lost our government representation. They want to buy votes and keep their jobs while our state suffers. Forget the welfare state and get everyone back to work.By thats good Maria
June 15, 2009 11:31 AM | Link to this
Bush again huh? Well when reality hits Ohio this year and 2010 with 25%unemployment, we can give him a call…growup. As evidenced by the recent Art Institute gala, it appears that the only ones invited or participating were lawyers, doctors and CEO’s of the few companies left in the area And of course the women all contribute so much with their drinks in hand and the designer dresses. This was so typical of what actually is happening in this town…the haves vs the have nots. The reality is unless you have that law or medical degree in this town, you ain’t working. But Maria keep your unbiased hate mongering of Bush alive and continue ignoring what is actually happening in this country with your fascist dictator in charge.By karon
June 15, 2009 11:29 AM | Link to this
Transportation such as passenger trains and streetcars for Ohio cities will help bring back people and businesses!By Lou
June 15, 2009 11:28 AM | Link to this
Why would anyone want to stay in Oh? We have become a welfare state and have high taxes. Property taxes are outrageous, businesses taxes are high and all the extra costs of living are going up inthe form of extra charges instead of taxes. representation.By Jim
June 15, 2009 11:28 AM | Link to this
Pattie makes a great point. Retire/rehires are cutting people out of jobs in government and in schools.By Anne Thomas
June 15, 2009 11:13 AM | Link to this
Why would any grad want to stay in Ohio?By Sam
June 15, 2009 11:11 AM | Link to this
I wouldn’t blame any grad for leaving Ohio. This state leaves little to offer in terms of what either coast or a larger more international city could offer. I think it’s tim Ohio pulled their head out of the past, and started working toward a future.By Mark
June 15, 2009 11:10 AM | Link to this
Since 1979 Ohio has become a High Tax State. Corporations and graduates go to Business Friendly States, not high tax states. All you can do is write your state legislator. Are you gong to send an email, or not? Let’s see if your really that upset, or if your just complaining. Voter apathy is why we went to a high tax state.By Maria
June 15, 2009 11:07 AM | Link to this
To Joe KoKO, LeaveOHIO and David, I just want to clarify some misunderstanding of why Ohio is not producing jobs, and helping our youth! just say Bush!Let’sBy Joe Koko
June 15, 2009 10:56 AM | Link to this
Good riddance, they are all snot nosed brats with their cell phones and baggy pants.By David
June 15, 2009 10:53 AM | Link to this
I have been encouraging my son, a student at Miami, to leave Ohio after he graduates. Why would I want my son to stay in a city run by Rhine McLine or a state that seems to ahve less and less business savvy? We are a state of caretakers, not innnovators. Our local and state legislators are content to manage the status quo and spend tax money on programs. We need a climate that stimualtes invention, and manufacturing.By Leave Ohio?
June 15, 2009 10:52 AM | Link to this
NCR left. GM shut down. Taxes (of all types) are 5th highest in the nation. Jobs/careers are in short supply….no….I’ll just stay here after getting my Doctorate , not use it…and live off all of you Obama/socialist voters. No need to be a “starter/producer”…leisure at the hands of others is relaxing.By Kurt
June 15, 2009 10:52 AM | Link to this
You can’t blame the kids for leaving, I also left Ohio for a high tech job on the West coast after graduating. We returned to Ohio, to start our family here, though. Ohio just does not have the opportunities as other states. Ohio needs to attract companies, not try to play catch up like we just did with NCR and Georgia.By grad
June 15, 2009 10:50 AM | Link to this
I agree. I am a college grad that works in a school system. I am in line for her position as soon as she retires. However her plan is to now retire-rehire back into her position. Looks like I will be leaving!By vb resident
June 15, 2009 10:45 AM | Link to this
I’ve always said, Ohio’s biggest export is it’s people.By Patti
June 15, 2009 10:38 AM | Link to this
There is so much double dipping at the state, county, city, and school level that people have to go somewhere else. These jobs are not opening up for people coming out of school to do, because everyone is too greedy to retire….By Will work for money
June 15, 2009 10:27 AM | Link to this
The perception (reality?) is that if there are no jobs in this state, young people will go to where the jobs are when they graduate. I know I did.