Doubt in Degrees: Is Higher Education Still Worth the Price?

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In an increasingly competitive job market and an economically uncertain world, it has become natural to question the true value of university degrees. After eye-watering totals of £27,000 for the average three-year course, the promise of a graduate job can leave students with a false sense of security for a long road ahead. One estimate in 2017 reports that student loans accumulated 100 billion in debt over 17 years, a figure that corroborated Labour’s push to scrap tuition fees altogether.

It begs the question as to whether all university degrees can currently survive in society. Some of the reportedly lowest earning degree titles fall under the branches of humanities, with examples that include general studies, performing/creative arts, and journalism.

Whilst these sectors can leave students with a more ambiguous career path in comparison to STEM opportunities, drama graduate Helen Coffey describes her experience in a ‘Mickey Mouse’ degree as invaluable. Despite initial concerns from peers and a measly £23,126 salary prospect after five years, the novelties of being a student provided a whole range of transferrable skills that can render anyone more adept for the workplace. Critical thinking, teamwork and independence amongst others are tested qualities that university guarantees for future employment. Moreover, a genuine curiosity for writing and the development of softer skills is what led Helen to her ‘dream job’.

“It begs the question as to whether all university degrees can currently survive in society.”

Concerns about the cycle of school, university, rinse, repeat are sparking polarised opinions about access to higher education. An article from May of this year explains that 70% of the job market is now accessible with apprenticeships in areas as specific as space engineering. With such resources, it can seem inexcusable that young people continue to sign themselves up for what can result in a lifetime of debt.

There is no doubt that a university degree is essential in many cases, and often the only path available towards research or employment. But since 2010, the Tory government managed to deliver 5.8 million apprenticeships, and their argument that one in five students would be better off not going to university may still stand. This is inherent with the burst of cheating scandals provoked by the rise of AI in 2023, during which archives of information were accessed and summarised in a matter of seconds. Personal academic learning was substituted with fixed essays from ChatGPT, perhaps even sparking suggestions of a potential brain drain amongst this generation.

“Concerns about the cycle of school, university, rinse, repeat are sparking polarised opinions about access to higher education.”

In a broader sense, university degrees are the perfect opportunity to build a network of friends or connections and consequentially grow as a person. It can be argued that even the most significant ‘Mickey Mouse’ degrees are vital in expanding into a more diverse society, not simply full of lawyers or bankers. A focus on apprenticeships may help boost these qualities in a more profitable way, but perhaps not provide young people with the same life experiences.