Is University still worth it?

Every year, when results day looms, a certain kind of article springs out of the ground in abundant numbers. The question at their core is exactly what may well be on the minds of 17-18 year olds across the country, anxiously awaiting their level 3 qualifications: ‘is university still worth it?’

The generally negative tone of a lot of media conversation surrounding university has led to quite a significant gap between public perceptions of university and the reality. A recent study found that the public generally estimated the rate of graduates regretting their university course to be around 40%; the actual number is 8%.

In this article, we aim to combat some of the key accusations levelled at universities. Crucially, this is not with the aim of debunking them and presenting university as an unambiguous good for every young person. Higher education is not the right choice for everyone. That said, every student considering university deserves to know what they need to know to make an informed choice, which is what this article aims to provide.

‘Uni isn’t worth it because it’s too expensive’

The introduction of university fees is a constant feature of young people’s anxiety around higher education. It is also one of the least understood aspects of the university experience; 35% of people in the above survey, including graduates with student loans, believe (falsely) that students start to pay back their loan as soon as they start working, regardless of how much they earn. With that in mind, let’s look at the key facts of student loans and repayments.

What is a student loan?

When people refer to student fees or student loans, they are using an umbrella term for two different loans: Tuition Fee Loan (to cover the cost charged by the university) and Maintenance Loan (to support living costs associated with going to university).

As of October 2025, we know that tuition fees will start to increase with inflation year on year. However, the Chancellor has also announced that maintenance loans will also increase with inflation. This means that, while the overall amount of debt will increase, the amount students receive to support themselves while studying will increase as well.

How does loan repayment work?

Students who apply to university now will pay back their loans under plan 5. Under this plan, students will not start repaying their loans until after they have reached a certain annual salary threshold, which is currently £25,000 per year. After crossing this earning threshold, students will pay towards the total of both loans at a rate of 9%.

What is generally not understood, however, is that you will pay back 9% of earnings over £25,000, not 9% of your whole monthly paycheck. For instance, if a new graduate gets a job paying £28,000, they would pay £22 per month.

Interest

Something students should be aware of is that the Student Loans Company currently charges interest on their loans. This means that a student may graduate with around £50,000 worth of debt, but if they don’t pay a substantial amount towards it, it can increase to almost £100,000 within ten years.
That having been said, under the current plan any unpaid student loans will be written off after 40 years. This means that even if students see their debt balloon with interest, they are not expected to pay the whole thing back if they don’t have the means.

The cost of university is high, both in terms of expense while studying and the loan repayments afterwards. However, the repayment structure is set up so that students pay what they can afford, when they can afford it.

‘Uni isn’t worth it because the degree subjects aren’t serious’

Several pressure groups and political commentators have alleged that university is no longer worth it because of unserious degrees in unserious subjects. The exact nature of what media outlets often refer to as a ‘mickey mouse’ degree is not easy to define. However, the consistent use of the term can lead students to imagine that universities are stuffed with low-quality degrees which don’t result in job prospects.

Before tackling how true that accusation is in terms of the job market, it’s worth noting that many people in industries do not seem to agree.
Charlie Ball, a labour market expert, advised people to remember that ‘a university education offers much more than just academic knowledge. It fosters personal growth, critical thinking, and a well-rounded perspective, all of which are invaluable assets in the workplace and beyond.’

Whatever students are studying, whether their degree is vocational or specialised, a university experience will provide an immense opportunity for growth. They’ll be socialising with people from a wide range of backgrounds, encountering new points of view and – if they take advantage of university societies – they’ll try things they would never have given a go otherwise.

‘Uni isn’t worth it because you won’t get a job at the end’

This is the second part of the ‘Mickey Mouse degree’ accusation. The feeling is that, while a degree used to make graduates very attractive in the job market, modern employers don’t value them when it comes to hiring.

This is not supported by data. According to the government’s annual graduate outcome survey, graduates are around 20% more likely to be employed than non-graduates.

In fact, over their lifetime, graduates are estimated to earn as much as £400,000 more than non-graduates.

‘You can’t get a job with that subject’

Many would say that these benefits are only enjoyed by graduates of certain subjects. This is only true to an extent, however. It is true that certain subject areas, such as those which lead more directly into the world of finance, can unlock a high earning potential for graduates.

However, on the whole, most employers favour ‘skills-based recruitment’. Employers generally do not focus on the subject of your degree, but prioritise transferable skills which are universal to the higher education experience, such as problem-solving, communication skills and the ability to work in a team. Almost all degrees will develop those skills over at least three years, and many students will also develop them even further through engaging in societies.
It is certainly true that the job market is very difficult for new graduates, as it is for all young people. However, the data shows that a degree is an advantage to those seeking work.

To reiterate, this article does not aim to position degrees as the right choice for everyone. However, young people should have all of the information at their disposal when making the decision to go or not go. Hopefully this article has offered that information, as well as offering a counter-point to popular narratives which do not present a fair assessment of modern higher education.