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A new study found that graduating college students may be more upbeat about their future than expected.

The National Association of Colleges and Employers‘ 2009 Student Survey found that 63.6 percent of college seniors are worried about their job prospects and 61 percent see the economy as an impediment to getting a job. These results aren’t surprising given the dismal state of the economy.

What is surprising, however, is the number of students that think they’ll have an easy time finding a job.

“Fifty-two percent told us they are confident they will be employed within three months of their graduation,” NACE Executive Director Marilyn Mackes said. “The results suggest that students understand the economy is a factor, but do not believe it will stop them from finding a job.”

Despite the optimism, more than 40 percent of seniors that responded to the survey recognize that their first job may not be as lucrative as they had previously hoped. On top of that, only 19.7 percent of those who have applied for jobs have been hired.

“They expect to need financial help from their parents,” Mackes said. “A significant issue is that although most responding students say they have started looking for jobs, the majority—59 percent—had not actually applied for one as of the end of April.”

More than 35,000 students representing more than 840 colleges and universities throughout the country took part in the survey, which was conducted from February 19 through April 30. Of those, more than 16,500 were graduating seniors. Respondents were asked about their job search, career plans and other issues related to employment.

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