Third of people no longer believe degree is worth the time or money, UK poll shows
A British Social Attitudes survey reveals that only 36% of people in the UK now believe a university degree makes graduates financially better off, a significant drop from 50% in 2005. This growing disillusionment, particularly among younger graduates, is attributed to shrinking graduate premiums, rising student debt, and fears of AI impacting the job market.
Why it matters
This shift in public perception could lead to a re-evaluation of higher education's value proposition, potentially impacting enrollment rates, government funding policies, and the future career paths chosen by young people in the UK.
Cambridge University students on graduation day. A British Social Attitudes survey shows only 36% of people think graduates end up being financially a lot better off. Photograph: Hazy Pics/Alamy View image in fullscreen Cambridge University students on graduation day. A British Social Attitudes survey shows only 36% of people think graduates end up being financially a lot better off. Photograph: Hazy Pics/Alamy Universities Third of people no longer believe degree is worth the time or money, UK poll shows Younger graduates, with experience of the fee system, are more disillusioned than those who did not pay fees, according to the survey
The Guardian typically leans left; while reporting survey data, the framing of 'mounting anger' and 'unfettered expansion' aligns with common center-left critiques of higher education policy and marketization.
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