July 26, 2005 Laurel, Maryland

As the Class of 2005 nears the 90-day mark of the Capitol College guarantee, more than 90 percent of bachelor's degree recipients are working and they're getting paid slightly more than previous years.

Capitol College has offered undergraduate students a job guarantee for several years, promising new graduates that they'd find a job within 90 days of graduation. Ninety-one percent of the 2005 class already reports that they have jobs, said Tony Miller, director of career services.

“Our graduating classes consistently hit a high placement rate. We reached that high number much faster this year,” Miller said. “We hit that 90 percent placement rate at just 60 days, not 90.”

As predicted earlier this year – and following a nationwide trend – the Class of 2005 was entering into a job market that was riper than previous years. Shortly after the May 15 commencement, 88.5 percent of the class reported it had a job.

While the Class of 2004 reached a 90 percent placement rate within 90 days of commencement, only about 66 percent of the class reported having jobs so soon after graduating.

Capitol's graduates felt the financial benefits of an improved economy with offers of slightly increased salaries than previous years.

One noticeable difference of this year's class is the greater number of students who have entered into the space industry, Miller said. Many graduates who participated in the Space Operations Institute, a Capitol College and NASA collaboration, are working for private industry and government contractors that support the space industry.

Although the market is better than previous years, getting that first job or one that is better can still be difficult, Miller said. Alumni are encouraged to contact the Office of Career Services for updated job vacancies, as well as resume, interview and networking advice.

Students and alumni can contact career services at 301-369-2555, or by email at careers@capitol-college.edu.