The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) shares some encouraging news for recent graduates and their starting salary:

Despite the poor job market, the college Class of 2009 held its ground with its overall average starting salary offer, according to a new report published by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE).

NACE’s Summer 2009 Salary Survey report shows that the average starting salary offer for new college graduates now stands at $49,307. That’s off less than 1 percent from the average $49,693 that 2008 graduates posted last year at this time.

NACE research indicates that many Class of 2009 graduates continue their job searches, but shows that those who have secured employment have starting salaries that are comparable to those offered a year ago, underscoring employers’ reluctance to tamper too much with starting salaries, even in a tight economy.