Public Confidence in UK Degrees Declines Sharply

The latest British Social Attitudes survey reveals a significant shift in public opinion on higher education. Conducted by the National Centre for Social Research, the 2025 data shows that 34% of respondents now agree a university education just is not worth the time and money it usually takes. This marks a substantial rise from 14% in 2005.

Only 36% believe graduates end up a lot better off financially in the long run, down from 50% two decades earlier. Additionally, 77% say a degree does not represent good value for money when considering current costs.

Background to the British Social Attitudes Survey

The British Social Attitudes survey has tracked UK public opinion since 1983. Fieldwork for the most recent wave took place between late August and early October 2025. It provides a representative sample of adults across England, Scotland, and Wales.

Questions on higher education have appeared periodically, allowing direct comparisons over time. The 2025 findings represent the highest level of scepticism recorded in twenty years.

Trends in the Graduate Premium

The graduate premium refers to the additional earnings graduates typically achieve compared with non-graduates. Recent data from the Department for Education indicate that while average premiums remain positive, they have narrowed for younger cohorts.

Universities UK analysis suggests lifetime earnings gains of around £130,000 for male graduates and £100,000 for female graduates after accounting for loans and taxes. However, these figures vary significantly by subject, institution, and individual circumstances.

Younger graduates who entered university under the £9,000-plus fee regime express greater disillusionment than earlier cohorts.

Stakeholder Perspectives on Degree Value

Graduates who paid higher tuition fees report lower satisfaction with value for money. A separate YouGov survey of post-2012 graduates found over half describing their degree as poor value.

Employers continue to value certain degrees highly, particularly in STEM fields, but express concerns about skills gaps in areas such as digital literacy and practical application.

University leaders highlight the broader benefits of higher education, including personal development, research contributions, and long-term societal gains beyond immediate earnings.

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Impacts on UK Higher Education Institutions

Declining public confidence coincides with financial pressures on universities. Many institutions face challenges from frozen tuition fees, rising costs, and uncertain international student numbers.

Enrolment trends show some softening in domestic applications for certain courses, prompting reviews of programme portfolios.

Policy discussions around student finance and graduate outcomes have intensified following the survey release.

Student and Graduate Experiences

Current students report mixed views on value. The Higher Education Policy Institute Student Academic Experience Survey 2025 found 37% perceiving good value for money, down slightly from the previous year.

Many graduates cite debt levels and job market realities as key factors influencing their retrospective assessments. Those in high-earning professions remain more positive overall.

Policy and Funding Context

Tuition fees in England stand at up to £9,535 per year. Successive governments have maintained the system while introducing repayment thresholds and interest rate adjustments.

A parliamentary inquiry into student loans is underway, examining debt levels and repayment burdens amid the new public opinion data.

University Responses and Adaptations

Institutions are responding through enhanced careers services, expanded work placements, and closer industry partnerships. Some are exploring accelerated degree options and greater emphasis on employability skills.

Transparency around graduate outcomes data has increased, with providers publishing detailed employment and salary statistics.

Photo by Qingqing Cai on Unsplash

Future Outlook for UK Higher Education

Analysts expect continued scrutiny of the higher education model. Projections indicate strong demand for graduate-level skills in the economy by 2035, according to Department for Education labour market forecasts.

Universities that demonstrate clear returns on investment through improved student support and outcome tracking may rebuild confidence over time.

Implications for Academics and Job Seekers

For those pursuing academic careers, the poll underscores the importance of demonstrating the wider value of university education. Roles in teaching, research, and student support will play a key part in addressing perceptions.

PhD-track individuals and early-career academics may benefit from focusing on fields with strong employment outcomes while contributing to public engagement efforts.

Explore current opportunities in UK higher education through dedicated job listings and career guidance resources.