Good news for soon-to-be graduates: the job market is looking up for college grads.

Career Builder's annual survey showed much brighter prospects and opportunities waiting for college graduates.

"The increased demand for educated labor is translating into a robust hiring outlook and bigger payoff for college graduates entering the job market this year," said Brent Rasmussen, chief operating officer of CareerBuilder.com.

Twenty-seven percent of hiring managers anticipate increasing starting salaries for recent college graduates in 2006 and only 5 percent plan to decrease them. Thirty-four percent of hiring managers expect to offer between $20,000 and $30,000 and 28 percent expect to offer between $30,000 and $40,000. An additional 10 percent will offer between $40,000 and $50,000 and 7 percent will offer more than $50,000.

Of course, as Mark wisely pointed out, the purpose of college should not be solely economical. In fact, if you look at what companies are most seeking in future employees, they include personal and motivational qualities that should prosper in college, job or no job.

But of course, the promise of financial security doesn't hurt!

(Photo Source: Texas A&M)