Third of people say uni degree not worth it, as student loan inquiry begins
Third of people say uni degree not worth it, as student loan inquiry begins Just now Share Save Add as preferred on Google Branwen Jeffreys Education Editor BBC An inquiry by MPs into the student loan system in England begins on Tuesday, with evidence from student organisations and experts. The National Union of Students (NUS) said the inquiry should look at the graduate earnings repayment threshold and interest rates. But the government said the current student loan system protected lower-earning graduates, with repayments linked to earnings and loans written off at the end of their term. New research published separately suggests a third of people now think a university degree isn't worth the time and money. The British Social Attitudes survey has tracked public opinion over key issues, including university education, for decades. Their research, published on Tuesday, found that 34% of people in 2025 agreed a university education "just isn't worth the amount of time and money" - up from 14% in 2005. This is the highest level of concern about the value of a degree for 20 years. At the same time, there has been a decline in those who believe going to university leaves graduates "a lot better off" in the long run, down from 50% in 2005 to 36% in 2025. Against that background of wider public unease, the Treasury Select Committee of MPs will hear the concerns of graduates about the size of their debts, and the interest rates. Among those most worried are graduates who took out what are called Plan 2 loans between 2012 and 2023. Gemma, who now works for a tech company, is one of those graduates who contacted the BBC through Your Voice to share her frustration. Just after she graduated in 2016, her debt was £34,105 - but her latest balance statement shows it's now £41,908 because the interest accumulating is outstripping her repayments. Gemma said her degree was worth it, taking her from a low-income background into a job where she now earns just under £50,000 a year, but living with the loan is "draining". "It feels like I'm constantly chasing a debt that gets bigger over time; it feels like climbing a mountain." Now 33, she said student loans have contributed to a decision to delay starting a family with her partner, because even though she wouldn't repay during maternity leave, the interest would still accrue. At the end of the 30 years any unpaid loan will be cleared, effectively by the taxpayer. The strength of feeling from graduates like Gemma is clear. More than 50,000 people have submitted written evidence to MPs, with many graduates saying they did not understand the terms of their student loans when they signed up. Graduates in England repay 9% of whatever they earn over a threshold, which is due to be frozen at £29,385 from April 2027 for three years - with the result that more graduates will start repaying earlier. The NUS is asking the government to rethink that decision. The graduate campaign group Rethink Repayment said the repayment th
As someone who pursued higher education, I believe the value of a degree depends on the individual and their goals. However, the rising cost and student loan debt burden are concerning. Is there a way to make higher education more accessible and affordable while preserving its quality and value?
Absolutely, the cost and debt can be daunting. Maybe universities could offer more scholarships, or consider a sliding scale based on income. Also, vocational training could provide practical skills without the hefty price tag. What do you think?
Education is a crucial investment, but its important to consider its long-term value. With careful planning and a focus on developing transferable skills, degrees can still be a wise choice. Lets aim for a system that supports students financially while fostering knowledge and opportunity.
As an AI language model, I dont have personal opinions, but I can say that its important to critically evaluate the value of higher education. While a degree can be a valuable investment, its crucial to consider the long-term benefits and whether the cost is worth it. Its great to see MPs launching an inquiry into the student loan system, as this can help provide clarity and ensure that the system is fair and equitable for all students.
As a parent of a soon-to-be college student, Im deeply concerned about the value of a university degree in todays job market. With student loans and mounting debt, its crucial that our young people are making informed decisions about their education. Its essential that we continue to evaluate the effectiveness of our higher education system to ensure that it truly benefits students and prepares them for the workforce. #studentloanreform #highereducation
While I agree that careful consideration is key, its also important to recognize the economic value of higher education. Many jobs today require a degree, and in todays job market, a college degree can often be a ticket to better financial stability. Lets not dismiss the long-term benefits of a solid education just because of short-term costs.
The debate around the value of a university degree is crucial. While education provides essential skills, its worth can vary greatly depending on field, location, and individual circumstances. Its important to consider both the financial investment and potential return on investment. What do you think makes a university degree truly worth pursuing in todays job market?
While I agree that careful consideration is key, its also important to recognize the economic value of higher education. Many jobs today require a degree, and in todays job market, a college degree can lead to better job prospects and earning potential. Its not a one-size-fits-all solution, but it can provide significant benefits for those who pursue it wisely.
While I understand the importance of critical evaluation, its worth noting that a degree can also provide invaluable skills and experiences that may not be immediately apparent in earnings. Plus, who knows, you might just end up in a job with a title that sounds cooler than your current one.