National Statistics for the Class of 2009

The National Association of Colleges and Employers surveyed college students between Feb. 19 and April 30 about their career outlook. Here are some of the findings:

• 19.7 percent of 2009 graduates had a job lined up. That compares with 26 percent of those graduating in 2008.
• 59 percent of 2009 graduates had started their job search at the time of the survey, compared with about two-thirds of the Class of 2008 and 64 percent of the Class of 2007.
• About 27 percent of 2009 graduates reported plans to forego the job market in favor of graduate school. That compares with 24 percent of 2008 graduates.

The NACE Salary Survey, Summer 2009, reported an average starting salary for 2009 graduates of $49, 693 versus $49, 693 last year. For salary information for a specific major or career field, please contact CAFNR Career Services at 573-882-0088 or ChipmanS@missouri.edu.