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is university worth the cost?

SHORT ANSWER: University can be worthwhile if you have a career in mind that requires a specific degree, but if that's not the case, you may want to consider alternative paths that will improve your employment prospects without the added baggage of student debt.

Many young people today think of uni not as an option, but as mandatory—the default next step after leaving school at 18. With more and more people applying for fewer and fewer vacancies, you might think that a university degree is essential if you want to compete in the modern job market.

But is the experience of university worth the enormous tuition fees and oppressive debts that come with it? Is university really the surest route to a successful career?

The answer is: no it isn't, at least not for everybody. Many other equally viable options are often overlooked by parents, teachers and students alike.

 

What does university cost?

In 2012, university tuition fees in England almost tripled, going from £3,375 per year to £9,000 per year. At the time, students were promised better value for money, a higher quality of university teaching, and far better future prospects—and had those promises come true, then perhaps this could be seen as a fair deal. But with the number of students increasing each year, the value of a degree has if anything fallen since 2012.

And that's not the only problem. The Student Loans Company stated that in 2024, graduate students leaving university in England are expected to face a lifetime of debt, averaging at £48,470. On top of tuition fees, which are expected to rise in 2025, this extortionate lifetime bill is made even heftier when maintenance fees and general living costs are taken into account.

A maintenance loan, in particular, is intended to cover accommodation, food, books and equipment, yet according to recent research by the Higher Education Policy Institute, maintenance loans only cover about half the cost of living, even less so for students in London. 

So unless a university education is undoubtedly, unquestionably what you want to pursue—for example, because your dream career demands a specific degree qualification—why saddle yourself with such a huge amount of student debt?

 

Is university worth the cost?

Many students who started university courses after fees were increased have now completed their degrees, but a lot of them are not doing too well. According to the National Union of Students, nearly half of all students who attended university as undergraduates in 2012 were back to living with their parents five years later.

And the struggle to find employment has only become more difficult, with a staggering 57% of UK employers reporting they hired fewer graduates in 2024 compared to previous years. In fact, 62% of recent graduates state they are struggling to find relevant professional positions all together.

With more and more graduates achieving university degrees, things are only likely to become worse, with more competition, fewer opportunities, and less room for work... so, is university really worth the cost?

 

Alternatives to university

Leaving university owing £40,000+ is no way to enter the world of work. A debt of that scale can be a huge financial and mental burden, not only for the students themselves but for the families who then have to support them. With far less priority now being made for graduate employees, finding work is becoming extremely difficult.

If you are thinking of attending university but aren't 100% certain about this choice, we implore you to consider all the available options. If academia is not your forte—if you are better with physical, hands-on work—then you may wish to learn a trade instead of going to uni.

Access Training is the best establishment in the UK for aspiring tradespeople who want to learn the skills and earn the qualifications that will enable them to succeed. Please get in touch today and enquire about the courses we have on offer. Our course advisors will be happy to give you all the information you require.

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PAGE UPDATED 24 FEBRUARY 2025

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Alternatives to University

Need an alternative to university? Read our article for 5 university alternatives that could kickstart your career, including apprenticeships and training courses!

In recent years, there has been a growing debate about the value of university education. Some people argue that university is the best way to get a good job and earn a high salary, however not all employers value a degree. There seems to be a growing emphasis on "experience" as a barrier to employment.

If you don't want to go to university, or it's just not an option for you, then there are plenty of uni alternatives that can help you find a rewarding career. In this article, we'll explore the reasons why university is not always the best option, and give you some idea of what you can do instead of university.

 

Is it okay to not go to university? 

Yes, it is okay to not go to university! Throughout your school life, it may seem as though teachers, family, and peers are all encouraging you to take a certain path that you may not necessarily think is the best fit for you. We know the price of going to university often puts off potential students, and the idea of living in debt is a daunting thing to face - particularly at a young age. Plus, 3-4 years on just one course can seem like a massive time investment.

What’s more is that university seldom fulfils the expectations of those attending. Recent statistics show that there are "over 96,000 unemployed graduates each academic year." Research has also shown that an average of 48,548 students each year drop out of their courses.

If you can't get over the negatives, there are plenty of alternatives to university, like apprenticeships and shorter training courses. Although a degree is needed for some jobs, there are plenty of careers (like trade careers) that you can achieve through university alternatives.

 

What Can I Do Instead of University?

If you are among the growing number of school leavers and students who feel that university might not be the right choice, read on for 5 alternatives to university that you may wish to consider.

 

1. Apprenticeships

If you’d like an alternative to university that will still help you acquire valuable skills and qualifications, then an apprenticeship might be the best route for you.

Apprenticeships are very good alternatives to university. They give you the opportunity to experience the world of employment while earning a decent wage. In essence, it’s like paid work experience in your chosen field, and one which will greatly increase your employability. Combining valuable work experience and training will give you the necessary skills to start your chosen career path.

There are plenty of apprenticeship opportunities available for those who are looking to learn, particularly in industries like the trades. If you are interested in becoming a plumber, electrician, or gas engineer, then you can get started with an Access Training Apprenticeship.

 

2. Gap Year

If you’re still undecided about which direction you want to take by the time you finish school, there is no need to despair. People don’t always know for sure what it is they want to do, perhaps not until years later.

Gap years are an increasingly popular choice for people in this situation. Taking time to consider all your available options, give yourself a break from education, and perhaps get some life experience working or travelling can be beneficial. This can be a good alternative to university if you aren't quite sure if you want to continue into higher education or not - it gives you a chance to think things through.

It might also be an opportunity to gain new qualifications in your spare time. Enhancing your personal statement or CV can help to improve your employability. Consider enrolling in some training courses to help you acquire new skills during this break.

 

3. Get a Job

Not everybody is destined for an academic route. And it’s perfectly acceptable to hop off the education train after your GCSEs or A Levels and head straight into the working world. If you aren’t interested in an academic future, but would much rather get your hands stuck in, the last thing that’ll appeal to you after finally leaving school is... well, more school.

A good option for you could be to cash in on the qualifications you’ve earnt at your time in school and begin your working life. If you're looking to compromise with an option that pays, but still helps you achieve qualifications, consider an "earn while you learn" university alternative. At Access Training, we offer these for Plumbers, Electricians, and Gas Engineers.

 

4. Studying Overseas

Why not combine a gap year with a university experience and study overseas? If you are excited by both the idea of travelling and learning, this might be the way to go.

With several overseas studying schemes available to students, this option is increasingly popular. Some employers may even be impressed by this, which can set you apart from other employees. However, keep in mind that this route can be expensive and will require you to move away from your home. Only choose this university alternative if you are sure it is right for you.

 

 

5. A Career in the Trade Industry

Uni Alternatives

Not everybody wants to continue down the academic route after school, and the trade industry is an excellent alternative to higher education.

Tradespeople such as plumbers, electricians and gas engineers are thriving off the skills shortage that's currently plaguing the industry. As a result, studying a trade could result in pretty steady employment for you. With a rapidly rising UK population and huge housing and road developments proposed for the future, tradespeople are likely to see a rewarding career.

With a huge workforce needed to make these developments happen, as well as the maintenance and installation of appliances for years to come, a career as a tradesperson could be the perfect university alternative.

If a career in the trade appeals to you more than going university, take a look at the courses available at Access Training today.

 

What will you do instead of university?

As we've seen, there are many great university alternatives out there! If you would like to discuss your alternatives to university and what course would best suit your interests, we can help. With the help of our experienced course advisors, we can put you on the right path to a successful, fulfilling career. Talk to us today for more details.

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is university worth the cost?

SHORT ANSWER: University can be worthwhile if you have a career in mind that requires a specific degree, but if that's not the case, you may want to consider alternative paths that will improve your employment prospects without the added baggage of student debt.

Many young people today think of uni not as an option, but as mandatory—the default next step after leaving school at 18. With more and more people applying for fewer and fewer vacancies, you might think that a university degree is essential if you want to compete in the modern job market.

But is the experience of university worth the enormous tuition fees and oppressive debts that come with it? Is university really the surest route to a successful career?

The answer is: no it isn't, at least not for everybody. Many other equally viable options are often overlooked by parents, teachers and students alike.

 

What does university cost?

In 2012, university tuition fees in England almost tripled, going from £3,375 per year to £9,000 per year. At the time, students were promised better value for money, a higher quality of university teaching, and far better future prospects—and had those promises come true, then perhaps this could be seen as a fair deal. But with the number of students increasing each year, the value of a degree has if anything fallen since 2012.

And that's not the only problem. The Student Loans Company stated that in 2024, graduate students leaving university in England are expected to face a lifetime of debt, averaging at £48,470. On top of tuition fees, which are expected to rise in 2025, this extortionate lifetime bill is made even heftier when maintenance fees and general living costs are taken into account.

A maintenance loan, in particular, is intended to cover accommodation, food, books and equipment, yet according to recent research by the Higher Education Policy Institute, maintenance loans only cover about half the cost of living, even less so for students in London. 

So unless a university education is undoubtedly, unquestionably what you want to pursue—for example, because your dream career demands a specific degree qualification—why saddle yourself with such a huge amount of student debt?

 

Is university worth the cost?

Many students who started university courses after fees were increased have now completed their degrees, but a lot of them are not doing too well. According to the National Union of Students, nearly half of all students who attended university as undergraduates in 2012 were back to living with their parents five years later.

And the struggle to find employment has only become more difficult, with a staggering 57% of UK employers reporting they hired fewer graduates in 2024 compared to previous years. In fact, 62% of recent graduates state they are struggling to find relevant professional positions all together.

With more and more graduates achieving university degrees, things are only likely to become worse, with more competition, fewer opportunities, and less room for work... so, is university really worth the cost?

 

Alternatives to university

Leaving university owing £40,000+ is no way to enter the world of work. A debt of that scale can be a huge financial and mental burden, not only for the students themselves but for the families who then have to support them. With far less priority now being made for graduate employees, finding work is becoming extremely difficult.

If you are thinking of attending university but aren't 100% certain about this choice, we implore you to consider all the available options. If academia is not your forte—if you are better with physical, hands-on work—then you may wish to learn a trade instead of going to uni.

Access Training is the best establishment in the UK for aspiring tradespeople who want to learn the skills and earn the qualifications that will enable them to succeed. Please get in touch today and enquire about the courses we have on offer. Our course advisors will be happy to give you all the information you require.

Your Career Starts Here!

Alternatively, select one of the following options to find out more:

PAGE UPDATED 24 FEBRUARY 2025


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