College Graduates Turn to the Future

Thousands of college students have received their degrees for the 2005-06 terms during May and the cycle is expected continue through early June.

Recent graduates come from all walks of life and in areas from all corners of the United States. They come from tiny liberal arts institutions like Carnegie Mellon University in the Pittsburgh area, and they don their gowns from huge schools like Arizona State, Ohio State and the University of Michigan. 

After following a schedule since early childhood, finally, it it is time for the nation's brightest minds to step out into the world. They'll traditionally get married and have children. We hope that all of the time and money spent during their collegiate years will be fruitful for them - worth the wait - no regrets. 

The National Association of Colleges & Employers has listed the most lucrative degrees for recent graduates. The NACE survey polled 83 private and state colleges nationwide. 

The findings are as follows:

1. Chemical engineering, $55,900
2. Electrical engineering, $52,899
3. Mechanical engineering, $50,672
4. Computer science, $50.046
5. Accounting, $45,723
6. Economics/Finance, $45,191
7. Civil engineering, $44,999
8. Business administration, $38,850
9. Marketing, $36,260
10. Liberal arts majors, $30,828 

One of the most interesting facts drawn from the survey is that accounting and economics experienced the most significant growth of 11 percent from the previous year.

But, in general, things have not changed too much since the poll was taken more than two years ago:

1. Computer engineering,  $53,117
2. Chemical engineering, $52,563
3. Electrical engineering, $49,926
4. Mechanical engineering, $49,088
5. Computer science, $48,656
6. Industrial/Manual engineering, $48,283
7. Information sciences, $42,108
8. Accounting, $42,045
9. Construction science, $42,232
10. Mgnt info systems/Biz data processing, $41,103