Cornell's Class of 2006 sent more graduates directly into the workforce than did any class since those in the robust economy in the late 1990s, "and they earned more than any previous Cornell class," said Rebecca Sparrow, director of Cornell Career Services.

As for the Class of 2007, "the outlook is very promising. Recruiting activity at Cornell has been quite strong this year, and employers continue to post full-time entry-level positions with us," Sparrow said. She cited a National Association of Colleges and Employers survey that employers expect to hire nearly 20 percent more college graduates this year than last.

The 2006 class figures come from Cornell Career Services' just-issued report based on a survey that had a response rate of 70 percent. It shows that 54.2 percent of last year's Cornell graduates entered the workforce following graduation, up from 52.3 percent in 2005 and 53.9 percent in 2000, before the economy slowed down after Sept. 11, 2001.

"This reflects the highest percentage of Cornell graduates entering the 'employed' category since 1998," said Sparrow. "The mean starting salary for our graduates -- $45,060 -- increased over the previous year by 5.8 percent overall, with gains for graduates from all colleges. Before 2005, the previous high mean starting salary had been $41,895 for Cornell's Class of 2001." After Sept. 11, 2001, employment opportunities in Northeast metropolitan areas significantly declined, Sparrow said.

Nearly 80 percent of the 2006 employed graduates entered the profit-making sector, compared with 76 percent from the Class of 2005 and 85 percent from the Class of 2000 Sparrow said. "Still, four of the top 10 employers hiring the most Cornellians in 2006 were nonprofit or government employers," Sparrow added. "I am especially pleased that more than 70 percent of employed graduates reported finding their positions through Cornell-sponsored services."

Law school was the most frequently selected field for graduate or professional studies for the third year in a row, according to the report. Cornell students continue to be extremely successful in gaining admission to graduate programs. For instance, 90 percent of Cornell applicants were admitted to law school, compared with the national average college-acceptance rate of 63 percent; and 75 percent of Cornell applicants were admitted to medical school, compared with the 46 percent average college-acceptance rate.

Cornell Career Services provides career-development and educational services for students and promotes connections with employers and graduate or professional schools. The office provides 13,314 individual advising appointments and walk-in advising sessions annually.

The full 2006 report will be posted by May 30 at http://www.career.cornell.edu.