A survey out this week shows more than half of students in Ohio colleges leave the state after graduation.

Marietta Area Chamber of Commerce President Charlotte Keim says that a majority of Marietta College students move out of the area after they graduate.

The survey was conducted by the Fordham Institue.

It found the major reason most students leave is so they can build a career but other factors like living in an area with a more active and fun image are sending graduating seniors out of the state.

Charlotte Keim says keep college graduates local is valauable for the community.

"Regions and communities that do better economically are those where there are a greater percentage of people with college degrees and higher education. So it's certainly important that we keep a certain amount of our brain trust here and thats not just for this community. It's for the state," said Charlotte Keim, President, Marietta Chamber of Commerce.

Only 11% of the students surveyed rated Ohio as an "excellent" place for job opportunities.

Keim says the Chamber works closely with colleges and area businesses to try to arrange internships for students that are interested.

The hope is that building that contact could entice students to stay for a job.