Jan. 18--ELLENSBURG -- Julia Cain is graduating from Central Washington University this spring. But instead of feeling jubilant about her future, she's worried about finding a job.

"My professors have been pretty negative," said Cain, a 21-year-old recreation management major. "It's pretty scary when you spend four years in college and then you're told you won't find a job when you leave. ... There's nothing really out there."

Cain is one of an estimated 1,600 seniors expected to graduate from CWU in June. She's also one of about 1.6 million students from across the country graduating with a bachelor's degree this school year, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.

While the number of graduates is up by more than 41,000 from a year ago, the number of jobs is stagnant, partly due to the declining economy. For many upcoming graduates, this means getting a job will be more competitive.

"Predicting what sectors will have jobs in 2009 is like predicting what the stock market will do next," said Jaqualyn Johnson, director of career services at Central. "The students who will get jobs are those who start looking six months early and who make getting meaningful employment their No. 1 concern. I do believe jobs are out there."

According to a fall survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, employers plan to hire just 1.3 percent more graduates this year than in 2008. That's the weakest forecast in six years, down from a 6.1 percent increase in hiring predicted last August. The survey polled the same group of 219 employers.

Some of the decline can be attributed to the upheaval in the financial sector, with employers like Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc. in bankruptcy protection, and others, like Merrill Lynch & Co., being acquired. Housing markets have toppled nationwide, and several automakers are on the verge of bankruptcy.

Locally, Linens & Things recently closed its doors and Del Harris Motors closed after more than 26 years in business.

Local manufacturing opportunities also took a hit during the last year. About 900 jobs were cut, due to the closure of several manufacturing firms -- including Western Recreational Vehicles, Pactiv Corp. and the Wild River Foods potato processing plant in Grandview, which closed because of a fire.

In Yakima County, jobless rates have fluctuated from 5.6 percent to 7.9 percent from August through November, while the rate statewide has varied from 5.2 percent to 6.3 percent in the same time period.

The uncertain economy has left college seniors with a few choices. They could go to work for themselves, continue their education or leave the country. Others are braving the job market and hoping for the best.

"When I go into senior classes, they look at me like a deer in the headlights," Johnson said.