The prospect of obtaining a university degree has always been an integral part of British society. For a long time, the benefits that a person could receive from higher education seemed to guarantee a successful career path, prosperity, and social mobility. But today, the advantages of having such a certificate are increasingly being doubted. The soaring prices for a university degree, growing student debts, shrinking opportunities in the labor market, and fears about the emergence of artificial intelligence make many people ask themselves whether getting a degree can pay off.More and more people start doubting whether investing in higher education is worth it. The ever-growing price of studying, growing student debts, difficulties with entering the job market, and fears about the effect of artificial intelligence on professional life all cause a growing mistrust toward higher education.Based on the most recent British Social Attitudes (BSA) survey, there has been a notable growth in the level of skepticism about higher education within the last twenty years. People who think that a university degree is not worth the effort and money required have grown from 14% in 2005 to 34% in 2025. Similarly, the percentage of people who think that graduates earn more than those without degrees has fallen from 50% to 36%.
Expansion of higher education changes public perception
The findings come against the backdrop of a dramatic transformation in Britain’s higher education landscape. When the first British Social Attitudes survey was conducted in 1983, university attendance was reserved for a relatively small section of society. Only around 6% of school leavers progressed to higher education. By 2025, that figure had increased to 36%, with more than two million domestic students enrolled across UK universities.While the expansion opened university doors to a far broader population, it also created a larger pool of graduates competing for jobs. Simultaneously, the cost of obtaining a degree has risen sharply.Tuition fees introduced in 1998 were initially set at £1,000 per year. Today, students in England can pay up to £9,535 annually, excluding accommodation and other living expenses.The survey suggests younger graduates, who have experienced the modern tuition fee system firsthand, are often more skeptical about the benefits of higher education than older generations who studied before fees became a major financial burden.
Student debt emerges as a growing concern
Beyond tuition fees, concerns are intensifying over the structure of student loan repayments. Repayment thresholds, the income level at which graduates begin repaying their loans, have repeatedly been frozen rather than adjusted for inflation. The thresholds are set to remain frozen for a further three years from 2027.Critics have also raised concerns about interest rates on student loans, arguing that graduates face an increasingly heavy financial burden long after completing their studies.The combination of rising debt and uncertain economic returns has fuelled questions about whether the current model remains sustainable.
Universities defend the value of a degree
Despite growing public concerns, university leaders argue that higher education continues to provide substantial benefits.Vivienne Stern, chief executive of Universities UK, said the current labour market difficulties should not be viewed solely through the lens of graduate employment as reported by The Guardian.“There’s no getting away from the fact that it’s a challenging labour market out there for everyone seeking work, not just graduates, which is a reflection of the current economy,” Stern told to The Guardian.“But the data consistently shows that those with a degree are more likely to have a job, earn more, and have better health. And a university education doesn’t just benefit the individual. If we want our country to grow, we need more graduates entering the labour market.”Her comments reflect a wider argument within the higher education sector that universities remain critical to economic growth, innovation and workforce development.
Economic realities temper expectations
Nick Hillman, director of the Higher Education Policy Institute, acknowledged that while university continues to deliver benefits for many students, economic conditions have altered expectations.“While university still benefits most graduates most of the time, the lack of substantial economic growth means the rewards are not always as great as people hope beforehand,” he said to The Guardian.“However, despite years of negative rhetoric, it is still only one in three people who think university is not worth it.”His assessment suggests that while confidence may be declining, public opinion remains divided rather than overwhelmingly negative.
AI and financial pressures add new uncertainty
Researchers behind the BSA report suggest broader societal concerns may also be influencing public attitudes. Alex Scholes, a co-author of the report, argued that universities remain vital institutions that contribute far beyond education alone.“They are also under immense financial pressure, and it appears recent debates about the fairness of student loan repayment systems and the role of AI on the job market have filtered through to people’s views about the value of a degree,” he said to The Guardian.“If public confidence continues to fall, we risk seeing the financial situation become even worse.” His warning reflects growing anxiety that declining confidence could create a self-reinforcing cycle, with fewer students viewing higher education as worthwhile at a time when many universities are already facing significant financial challenges.
A turning point for higher education
The latest findings suggest Britain may be approaching a pivotal moment in its relationship with higher education. The promise that once made university an unquestioned aspiration is facing unprecedented scrutiny from students, graduates and the wider public.While advocates continue to point to the long-term benefits of a degree, rising costs, heavy debt burdens, and uncertainty about future employment are reshaping perceptions. The challenge for policymakers and universities now is not simply expanding access to higher education but restoring confidence that the investment remains worthwhile in an increasingly uncertain world.
