University: is it worth it?

Approximately how many universities are there in the UK?

• 130-140

• 140-150

• 160-170

• 180-190

Answer explanation

The United Kingdom has over 160 universities, but not all are eligible for national rankings.

The Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) has data on 285 higher education providers in the UK.

What is the average annual tuition fee for university students in the UK?

• £8,500

• £9,250

• £10,000

• £11,500

Answer explanation

The average annual tuition fee for undergraduate students in the UK is between £9,000 and £9,250. However, tuition fees vary depending on your home country and the type of degree.

The annual cost of an undergraduate degree in England will go up from £9,250 to £9,535, in September 2025. Undergraduate students will be able to borrow more for day-to-day living costs.

• Under 19s account for what percentage of newly starting apprentices?

• 25.1%

• 37.4%

• 46.5%

• 53.9%

Answer explanation

The misconception that apprenticeships are solely for school leavers has been changed by one clear fact: over 19s are surging into apprenticeships.

According to the House of Commons Library, “48% of the apprenticeships started in 2022/23 were by people aged 25 and over…and 29% were aged between 19 and 24”.

According to a report from The Guardian, for how long can university graduates face repaying student loans?

• 20 years

• 30 years

• 40 years

• 50 years

Answer explanation

According to a February 2022 report from The Guardian, graduates in England will repay their student loans over 40 years.

This is an increase from the previous 30-year repayment period.

What is the dropout rate for apprenticeships according to recent government figures?

• 37%

• 42%

• 47%

• 52%

Answer explanation

Government figures revealed that nearly half (47%) of all apprentices are dropping out of their programmes, with 70% of these citing issues with the quality of training.

This equates to about 115,000 apprentices each year.

• What is the average dropout rate for UK universities?

• 6.3%

• 13.8%

• 18.6%

• 23.4%

Answer explanation

The average dropout rate for UK universities is 6.3%, but rates vary by institution, course, and student characteristics.

The highest dropout rates in the UK are typically in the fields of engineering, computer science, and business.

What is the current graduate employment rate?

• 75%

• 82%

• 87%

• 91%

Answer explanation

The employment rate for university graduates in England was 87.7 percent in 2023, compared with 68.7 percent for non-graduates.

People with postgraduate degrees had an even higher employment rate than those with an undergraduate degree, at 89.4 percent.

What is the average starting salary range for graduates in the UK?

• £18,000–£22,000

• £20,000–£25,000

• £23,000–£28,000

• £25,000–£30,000

Answer explanation

Recent graduates are beginning their careers with an average salary of £27,000, showing an increase from £25,000 in 2023

The average (median) graduate salary in the UK is £35,170, according to an annual salary survey conducted by the Institute of Student Employers (ISE) in 2023.

Which of the following is a benefit of having a university degree?

• Lower starting salaries

• Limited career progression

• Higher chances of accessing competitive job sectors

• Higher tuition fees

What is the average starting salary for apprentices?

• £10,000

• £12,000

• £15,000

• £18,000

Answer explanation

Starting salaries can be low, however, the average salary for an apprentice can range from £15,000 to £30,000 per year, depending on the level of the apprenticeship and the industry. 

Apprentice salaries increase as apprentices gain experience and progress in their training. For example, once an apprentice turns 19 or older and completes their first year, they are entitled to the national minimum wage or living wage for their age group.