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Explaining the “Brain Drain†from Older Industrial Cities: The Pittsburgh Region

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  • Susan B. Hansen
  • Carolyn Ban
  • Leonard Huggins

Abstract

In an effort to understand why so many college graduates are leaving western Pennsylvania, recent college graduates from three Pittsburgh-area universities were surveyed about their career and location decisions. The results indicated some increase in those staying between 1994 and 1999. A logistic regression analysis showed that an improving economy, low housing costs, and ample opportunities for continuing education were the major reasons. However, the region is still losing disproportionate numbers of minorities and graduates in high-tech fields and is attracting few immigrants. The major competition was from neighboring states rather than the Sun Belt. Low salaries and lack of advancement opportunities, especially for women, minorities, and two-career couples, were the primary reasons. The results suggest several policy recommendations to help retain recent area graduates and to attract more highly skilled workers to the region.

Suggested Citation

  • Susan B. Hansen & Carolyn Ban & Leonard Huggins, 2003. "Explaining the “Brain Drain†from Older Industrial Cities: The Pittsburgh Region," Economic Development Quarterly, , vol. 17(2), pages 132-147, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:ecdequ:v:17:y:2003:i:2:p:132-147
    DOI: 10.1177/0891242403017002002
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    1. Viktor Venhorst & Jouke Van Dijk & Leo Van Wissen, 2011. "An Analysis of Trends in Spatial Mobility of Dutch Graduates," Spatial Economic Analysis, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 6(1), pages 57-82.
    2. Heather M. Stephens, 2019. "Understanding US college graduate migration," Journal of Geographical Systems, Springer, vol. 21(4), pages 509-531, December.
    3. Alessandra Faggian & Rachel S. Franklin, 2014. "Human Capital Redistribution in the USA: The Migration of the College-bound," Spatial Economic Analysis, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 9(4), pages 376-395, October.
    4. Sidonia von Proff & Matthias Duschl & Thomas Brenner, 2017. "Motives behind the mobility of university graduates – A study of three German universities," Review of Regional Research: Jahrbuch für Regionalwissenschaft, Springer;Gesellschaft für Regionalforschung (GfR), vol. 37(1), pages 39-58, February.
    5. Kathryn R. Dotzel, 2017. "Do natural amenities influence undergraduate student migration decisions?," The Annals of Regional Science, Springer;Western Regional Science Association, vol. 59(3), pages 677-705, November.

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