Universities are under a constant attack from the media. Like vultures trying to peck a man to death for sustenance, tabloids circle campuses and comment on everything from controversial guest speakers, freedom of speech, teaching standards and tuition fees.
The media is the hector at the side lines, shouting about any and all things education related – and they’re beginning to have a point.
Universities are set to be charging £10,000 a year for education by the end of the decade, effectively forcing financially disadvantaged students out of the system entirely.
Added to this is chancellor George Osborne’s plans to turn all student grants in England and Wales into loans, in a bid to create £40 million for the public coffers.
It’s the type of news that, naturally, will dissuade working class students from enrolling. With the millstone of debt around your neck, how can you get ahead in life?
Despite this, student enrolment rates are at their highest ever levels, according to Ucas. 592,290 applications were made by the January 15th deadline, almost 10,000 more than 2011, just before the tuition fees rise.
Where will students end up?
University clearing season is in full swing and, despite the high price, students are still crossing their fingers that they’ll be accepted into the most prestigious institutions. So what’s the continual draw of uni life?
In part, it’s the promise offered for business ahead. According to the Sunday Times Good University Guide, 18 per cent of employers would pay an employee with a degree more than one without.
Moreover, university gives the budding entrepreneur the time to set up an operation while building a consistent and effective set of skills.
Some entrepreneurs like Alan Sugar created a business empire from sheer wit and gumption, but the business landscape has changed since his day. Now, people struggle to get their foot in the door without a major qualification.
Skills to pay the bills
The skillset of professionals has elevated beyond working your way up the ladder by the seat of your pants. With increasingly complicated technology and ever more competition, a first class honours degree can be the edge you need for a secure job.
Many in the further education game are unlikely to pay their student debts before they retire. But the opportunities in place on campus seem to far outweigh financial quandaries.
Since tuition fees rose, social mobility experts have expressed a worry that students from disadvantaged backgrounds will be left in lower paid jobs for the rest of their lives. However, savvy applicants understand the need to weigh finances against education – and hope that they come out on top.
