BETHLEHEM, PA—The job market for new college graduates shows signs of rebounding, including an uptick in the percent of the graduating class that already has a job in hand, according to a new study from the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE). 

NACE’s 2010 Student Survey shows that nearly one-quarter (24.4 percent) of 2010 graduates who applied for a job actually have one waiting for them after graduation. In comparison, just 19.7 percent of 2009 graduates who applied for a job had one at this time last year. 

One reason for the increase: “A greater number of Class of 2010 graduates accepted the jobs they were offered,” says Marilyn Mackes, NACE executive director. 

This year, 39 percent of seniors taking part in the study reported they had received job offers, and 59 percent of those students took the job. 

Last year, 40 percent of responding seniors were offered jobs, but only 45 percent accepted them. 

“There appears to be a greater awareness of the economic realities among this year’s graduates, and greater flexibility in the types of jobs they will consider,” says Mackes.  

NACE expects to release additional highlights from the 2010 Student Survey next week. A final report on the study’s finding will be available later this year.