Is a university degree still worth it? In an age of artificial intelligence and automation, that question is more pressing than ever. As algorithms replace routine tasks and reshape industries, many fear that the value of non-STEM fields, arts, humanities, and social sciences, has been eroded. Writers, historians, musicians, and philosophers are among those who feel the squeeze. Yet experts warn against drawing simple conclusions.
In England, completing a typical three-year degree under graduate, tuition and maintenance loans included, costs around £53,000. For some, that figure sparks doubts. But averages can hide as much as they reveal.
The Numbers Tell a Nuanced Story
Research cited by the Guardian finds that graduates still enjoy a lifetime earnings premium of £200,000–£400,000 compared with non-graduates. But the gap is shrinking.
Andy Westwood, professor of public policy at the University of Manchester, points to the expansion of higher education:
“With more people going to university, we’ve seen diversification in institutions and experiences, and in financial returns. Not every option works for everybody, but many still do.”
Fifty years ago, only 4% of UK school leavers entered higher education. By the late 1970s, that figure was 14%. Today, more than a third go straight to university, and Tony Blair’s ambition—50% of young people in higher education by age 30—has been achieved. With such growth, variation in outcomes was inevitable.
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Winners and Regrets
New data from the Higher Education Statistics Agency reveal wide differences in satisfaction. Graduates in medicine and health sciences, including dentistry and midwifery, report the highest levels of contentment, followed by architecture, computer science, and construction—vocational courses tied to strong job markets.
According to Guradian, graduates in journalism, marketing, and social work are most likely to regret their choices. Even prestigious universities show mixed results: Oxford tops graduate satisfaction, but Sheffield surprisingly ranks second—above Cambridge and LSE.
Degrees that Pay Off and those that don’t
Economics graduates from elite universities such as Cambridge, LSE, and UCL earn £60,000+ within five years, while those from lower-ranked institutions average £35,000 or less. A degree in English typically leads to £33,000 at the five-year mark. Still, these averages mask inequalities linked to gender, family background, and region.
The Institute for Fiscal Studies notes an intriguing paradox
“Those with the lowest graduate earnings often receive the largest boost from attending university—particularly students from the most deprived backgrounds.”
Beyond the Paycheck
University offers far more than a salary bump. Studies link degree-level education to longer life expectancy, better health, stronger self-esteem, and greater civic engagement.
Rachel Beauchamp, an employability coach at Lancaster University, says employers still value humanities graduates:
“Employers are looking for people who can analyse complex problems, see different perspectives, and connect ideas in new ways. Those are the human skills that humanities nurture—and they’re hard for AI to replicate.”
The Verdict: Choose Wisely, Think Broadly
University is not a guaranteed golden ticket, but on average, it still pays—financially, socially, and personally. Success depends on choosing the right course, institution, and career path, and on recognising that the value of a degree can’t be measured by salary alone.
As Professor Westwood cautions,
“Universities and their graduates aren’t immune to wider economic challenges. But many degrees still open doors that would otherwise remain closed.”
For today’s students and families, the choice remains complex—but also rich with opportunity for those who look beyond the numbers.
