Study Says Wisconsin Losing More College-Educated Residents to Other States

Wisconsin has second-largest ‘brain drain’ in the country despite high education attainment

Losing college graduates affects the state’s workforce and economy in both urban and rural communities. One business leader said his organization thinks about brain drain “on a weekly basis.” The post Wisconsin has second-largest ‘brain drain’ in the country despite high education attainment appeared first on WPR.

Wisconsin's 'brain drain' is 2nd worst in nation, hampering growth, study finds

Brain drain is commonly defined as individuals who have college degrees or other skills living outside of the state they grew up in.

Study says Wisconsin losing more college-educated residents to other states

MADISON, Wis. — Wisconsin is losing more college-educated residents to other states than it is gaining, with more than half of Wisconsin-born adults in their 30s who hold bachelor’s degrees now living elsewhere.

Local residents earn degrees out of state

The University of Alabama (UA) recently announced its spring graduates, including one local student. UA awarded approximately 7,000 degrees during the spring ceremony. Roxanne Alderman of Corbin earned a Master of Science in nursing. University of Wisconsin-Madison announced one local student has earned their degree during the 2026 spring semester. The university held its spring 2026 commencement ceremony for doctoral, MFA and medical profession…