The results of the 2006 Australian Graduates Survey (AGS) released today by Graduate Careers Australia confirm the value to individuals and to the nation of investing in higher education.
Universities Australia Chair Professor Gerard Sutton said it was important to note that the number of students completing an undergraduate degree has risen by 64.4 per cent since 1990.
"The 82.4 per cent of graduates in full-time work within four months of completing their degrees is testament to the value of a university education," Professor Sutton said.
"All university graduates - be they social science, humanities, science or engineering graduates - make vital contributions to the nation's economic, social and cultural fabric and to national innovation and productivity growth," he said.
"The value to employers of university graduates is reflected in part in the continuing increase in starting salaries for both male graduates ($42,000, up from $40,000 in 2005) and female graduates ($40,000, up from $39,000 in 2005).
"The quality of graduates' experience of their time as students is affirmed by the continuing high level of graduates surveyed (89.6%) indicating broad satisfaction with their courses," Professor Sutton said.
"On all fronts - work, study, salaries and course satisfaction - the 2006 Australian Graduate Survey represents a `win win' for students, employers, government and the nation," Professor Sutton said.
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