Fiar point Simster.
We have recently had a round of interviews here and the common response to graduates who were expeciting starting salaries of around 20% higher than the advertised basic purely on the basis that they had a degree.
I'm expecting a shit job when I leave Uni. Everyone (IME) starts on a level footing, in the 5 years after college. Its once everyone is in a job that those with degrees will start getting rewards. You have to work hard and show you know your shit, along with everyone else regardless of a degree or not, having a degree makes you more employable, not more payable.