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Rise In University Applicants Despite Rising Costs

Recent reports about the planned rise in English tuition fees in 2012 have saturated the media, with riots and protests becoming synonymous with the potential £9,000 a year fees.
Finance - 27 April 2011   Download IconContent available for download:  
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Recent reports about the planned rise in English university tuition fees in 2012 have saturated the media, with many students protesting about universities being able to charge up to £9,000 a year for their courses. However, despite the rising cost, it seems that prospective students still see the value in higher education, with figures from March 2011 revealing that the number of UK applicants has increased by 1.4% compared to the same period last year.

Latest research has revealed that on average graduates have earned £12,000 a year more than non graduates over the past decade. Graduates aged 22-64 had median salaries of £30,000 compared with £18,000 for non degree holders. Earnings tend to increase faster for longer for graduates, peaking at the age of 51, and in addition male graduates can expect to earn on average 20% more than female graduates.

It is not only higher salaries that students can earn from going to university. A recent survey found that on average graduates have 15 close friends compared to those without a degree having 10. One in five graduates have settled down with someone they met at university and 60% of graduates believe that university contacts are just as important as a degree, with 41% claiming a friend from university set them up with a job interview.

. Introduction:

Despite the attitudes of outrage felt by many upcoming students about the rising tuition fees at English universities, new figures suggest that prospective students still see the value in having a degree. The number of UK applicants has increased by 1.4% compared to the same period last year, so it seems that university is still an important step for people wanting a higher education despite the increased cost. On average graduates earn £12,000 per year more than those without a degree and a recent survey even suggests that the average graduate, compared to a non graduate, is likely to have more friends, a love interest and contacts that can lead them to potential job opportunities.

So do the benefits of attending university really outweigh the costs?

Joining us to discuss this further is Professor Michael Thorne, Vice Chancellor of Anglia Ruskin University.

. Suggested Questions:

So what do the figures reveal about university applications in our area?

Why do you think the number of university applicants is still on the increase?

How will the rising tuition fees affect future students?

What are the benefits of going to university?

What would your advice to be to students who haven’t perhaps got into university this year, or are considering not going at all?

Where can we find out more information?