One in four plans to leave the state, and another one in four is unsure whether he or she will leave or stay. A variety of factors bear on each student's decision about where to live after graduation, and different combinations of factors are important to different students. In general, however, the survey responses suggest that students who plan to leave Florida are basing their decisions on considerations related to their careers. Those who believe they have better opportunities elsewhere are likely to pursue them unless other factors are holding them here. The number one reason given for leaving the state is the perception that better paying jobs are available elsewhere.
Age is a factor in whether a college graduate stays or leaves the state.
Forty-five percent of students surveyed who were 17 or younger said they do not intend to stay in Florida. The percentage declines steadily as age increases. Of the 14 majors identified in the poll, students with majors in History, Social Sciences, Music, Engineering, and Business are, respectively, the most likely to plan to leave Florida after graduation. Students at FAMU are the most likely to leave Florida. Almost half the undergraduates at FAMU indicated that they are likely to leave Florida after graduation, more than any other student body polled.