The proportion of people in the UK who think a university degree is worth the time and money has fallen sharply, according to the latest British Social Attitudes (BSA) survey. In 2005, just 14% said a degree was not worth it; by 2025, that figure had risen to 34%. Meanwhile, the share who believe graduates end up a lot better off financially than non-graduates has dropped from 50% to 36%.
The findings reflect growing disillusionment, particularly among younger graduates who have experienced the tuition fee system. Since fees were introduced in 1998 at £1,000 a year, they have risen to £9,535 a year for English students. Student loan repayment thresholds have been frozen multiple times, and above-inflation interest rates have added to the burden.
Vivienne Stern, chief executive of Universities UK, acknowledged the challenging labour market but stressed that graduates still have better employment prospects, higher earnings, and better health. Nick Hillman, director of the Higher Education Policy Institute, noted that while rewards are not always as great as hoped, only one in three people think university is not worth it.
Alex Stanley, vice-president for higher education at the National Union of Students, said he valued his university experience but criticised the funding system. He reported having to work three jobs alongside his studies and accumulating over £50,000 in debt that grows each month despite repayments. He called the system “broken” and said it is “decaying trust in the university model.”
Alex Scholes, a co-author of the BSA report, warned that if public confidence continues to fall, the financial situation for universities could worsen. He noted that universities are under immense financial pressure and that debates about loan repayments and AI’s impact on jobs have influenced public opinion.
