After many years of struggling to retain graduate talent finishing their university studies, it looks like Liverpool graduate retention is taking a turn for the better according to article in the Liverpool Echo this week. The research from student recruitment marketing agency Think Orion places Liverpool in third place in the country in in terms of graduates studying and then staying in the city. The report highlights that for new students graduating in England in 2025, Liverpool is in thrid place with a retention rate of 76.26% behind London in first place (84.20%) and Manchester in second place (76.30%).
With regards to average salaries for this newly qualified graduates London, unsurprisingly, leads the way on £51,662. Interestingly the average salary for a graduate in Liverpool was higher in Liverpool (£34,172) than Manchester (£33,715).
The figures are great news for the city and were welcomed by Liverpool City Council who are desperately keen to encourage students to stay in the city post university. Whilst the city does not have the economic power of the likes of Manchester, sectors like health, life sciences, digital and creative are seen as the key growth areas for Liverpool’s future.
Here at City Residential we have definitely seen an increase in graduates staying in the city once they have finished their university studies. Many have enjoyed their student years in the city and are more than happy to stay here as long as there are the employment opportunities, something that has in the past been more difficult to find. With rents and apartment values in the city at around a 30/40% discount to the likes of Manchester graduates can afford to even take a lower salary and still enjoy a more affordable lifestyle.
