As university tuition fees and living costs continue to rise, there is ongoing debate about whether pursuing higher education remains a worthwhile investment for students today. While the financial burden is significant, arguments persist on both the economic and personal benefits of attending university.

Sarfraz Manzoor, who teaches postgraduate modules at University College London and will soon begin his own studies there, reflects on his experience as a student in Manchester from 1989 to 1992. He contrasts his time with the current landscape, noting that tuition fees have dramatically increased since then. Where his degree in economics and politics came without debt—thanks to state grants—today’s students face fees nearing £20,000 per year for domestic students and over £35,000 for international learners, excluding living expenses.

Manzoor recounts that his most vivid memories of university were not academic achievements but the social experiences and personal growth he encountered, including concerts and newfound independence after leaving home. He emphasizes that university was where he learned to forge his own identity beyond family expectations. However, he also acknowledges the challenges of the job market, both in his era—tunring 1992 amid a recession that made finding graduate employment difficult—and now, with youth unemployment among 16-to-24-year-olds at 16.2 percent in early 2026, the highest in over a decade.

Data from the Institute for Fiscal Studies supports the view that university can still offer a financial advantage. Graduates earn roughly 20 percent more over their careers compared to non-graduates, even after accounting for tuition costs and prior academic achievement. Yet this average masks variation by discipline; fields such as law, economics, and medicine tend to yield higher returns, while some creative arts and language courses show little or no financial gain.

Beyond earnings, proponents highlight intangible benefits of university education. Manzoor describes the freedom to explore ideas, develop creativity, and enjoy youth as intrinsic values worth pursuing. He advises prospective students to consider studying away from home to maximize personal growth, although records indicate a rising trend of 31 percent of UK 18-year-olds intending to remain at home during their studies.

While Manzoor personally questions the direct career advantages of his degree, he credits his time in university cities for laying foundations in later work and life choices. He points to experiences such as early television jobs and freelance journalism that emerged during and after his studies.

Deciding whether university remains "worth it" depends on multiple factors, including course choice, location, personal circumstances, and the evolving job market. Though the financial pressures and competitive employment environment are considerable, many still find value in the broader educational journey and potential lifetime benefits of holding a degree.