New data from the government's graduate employment and earnings database reveals that the gender pay gap among UK graduates has widened for three years running. Median earnings for men five years after graduation outpaced women by £2,900 in 2014-15, increasing to £3,300 in 2015-16 and £3,600 in 2016-17.
Men earn more than women at every stage post-graduation. One year after completing their degrees, male graduates earn 8% more than female colleagues; after five years, the gap is 15%; and after ten years, it reaches 31%. The disparity is partly attributed to women being more likely to work part-time or pursue further study, while a lower proportion of men attending university may boost their average pay.
Earnings also vary significantly by subject. Economics, medicine and dentistry graduates command the highest salaries, while those in humanities and creative arts earn the least. Over ten years, average combined earnings for male and female graduates rose from £23,300 after three years to £30,500—but after adjusting for inflation, the degree premium is shrinking for those who graduated during the 2006-07 financial crisis.
Social background and ethnicity also play a role. Pupils eligible for free school meals earned £3,000 less five years after graduation. Black Caribbean, Pakistani and Bangladeshi graduates earned less than white, Chinese or Indian peers; Pakistani graduates earned £6,000 less than white graduates a decade on. Additionally, students with top A-level grades earned significantly more over time.
Universities minister Chris Skidmore welcomed the overall rise in graduate earnings, saying the data helps students make informed choices. Nicola Dandridge, chief executive of the Office for Students, noted that while earnings are rising, gaps between disadvantaged groups persist. The Department for Education emphasised that financial outcomes are only one factor in choosing a degree.
