REPORT HIGHLIGHTS BENEFITS OF HIGHER EDUCATION FOR INDIVIDUAL AND GOVERNMENT, SAYS NUS

Responding to a report published today (Thursday) by Million+ the National Union of Students (NUS) said that the government needed to recognise the wide ranging economic benefits of higher education.

The report entitled ‘What’s the value of a UK degree?’ finds that not only is an undergraduate degree worth an additional £115,000 in earnings to the individual (and £59,000 more than that for those with a Master’s degree) but that a drop in student numbers would cost the treasury at least £6.6billion for each cohort of 30,000 lost.

Toni Pearce, NUS Deputy President, said:

“The government has to recognise that investment in higher education is just that - investment with very real financial rewards for the state, the individual and wider society as well as the great cultural benefits that come with advanced learning.

“Higher tuition fees are putting capable students’ off going to university and many students are struggling to cover living costs when they are. This leads to increased anxiety for students which can affect their study and make them consider curtailing their studies.

“The economic benefits of post-graduate study are clear and the government must address a crisis in support for those continuing beyond undergraduate level, or only the richest students will be able to access highly valuable training and education.”

NUS’ ‘The Pound in Your Pocket’ report, released in December 2012,  is a comprehensive analysis of student finances and the demonstrates the impact of money worries on ability to study. The full report is available from www.poundinyourpocket.org.uk