Search Results

England benefits from a world-class higher education (HE) sector, with growing student numbers. In general, graduates achieve stronger labour market outcomes than non-graduates and yet many graduates are not in high-skilled work. However, the graduate earnings premium appears to have started waning and varies widely between subjects and higher education institutions. At the same time, the cost of tuition in terms of student loan debt has risen rapidly. As a result, many students are questioning the value for money of traditional higher education, or even claiming to have been 'mis-sold' its benefits. This policy report highlights the disparity between the perception that a university degree is automatically a passport to a well-paid career, and the reality that two out of five graduates are in jobs that don't require a degree. The Edge Foundation is calling for a range of measures to broaden education opportunities, make access more equitable and ensure young people are equipped with the workplace skills for the 21st century digital, global economy.

Edited excerpts from publication and publisher's website. Show less