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UNO CPAR Survey Reveals Why Young Talent Leaves Omaha

Nebraska Examiner highlights UNO’s Center for Public Affairs Research survey on young professionals’ decision to stay or leave the Omaha area.

  • published: 2025/04/22
  • contact: Office of Strategic Marketing and Communications
  • email: unonews@unomaha.edu
Downtown Omaha, Nebraska is seen here on Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024.

Downtown Omaha, Nebraska is seen here on Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024. Photo: Ryan Soderlin, Office of Strategic Marketing and Communications.

A recent survey conducted by the Center for Public Affairs Research (CPAR), at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) and led by CPAR Director Josie Schafer, Ph.D., reveals crucial insights into what drives young professionals to stay or leave the Omaha area. The findings emphasize that better pay, affordable housing, improved transit, and flexible work environments are key to addressing the region’s brain drain.

💡 Why it matters: Schafer highlighted that this data would equip employers and civic leaders with the information they need to make more informed decisions to attract and retain college-educated talent in Omaha.

🔍 The big picture: As Omaha strives to grow its talent pool, this survey provides actionable insights that can help shape the region’s economic development strategies and improve the quality of life for young professionals.

For more on the survey’s findings and their implications, read the full article in the Nebraska Examiner.

About the University of Nebraska at Omaha

Located in one of America’s best cities to live, work and learn, the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) is Nebraska’s premier metropolitan university. With more than 15,000 students enrolled in 200-plus programs of study, UNO is recognized nationally for its online education, graduate education, military friendliness and community engagement efforts. Founded in 1908, UNO has served learners of all backgrounds for more than 100 years and is dedicated to another century of excellence both in the classroom and in the community.

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