More students pick degrees with higher pay potential

By the Editorial Team · Sunday, August 30, 2026

University applicants in the UK are increasingly choosing degree programs with higher earning potential, such as economics, engineering, and law, while enrollment in traditionally lower-earning fields like English and performing arts declines. This shift, also seen in A-level subject choices, indicates that financial prospects are becoming a key factor in students' educational decisions.

University applicants in the United Kingdom are increasingly selecting degree programs linked to higher lifetime earnings, according to recent analysis of application trends and financial data. Since 2019, courses in fields such as economics, mathematics, engineering, and law have seen the fastest growth in applications, while degrees traditionally associated with lower financial returns—including English, modern languages, and performing arts—have experienced a decline.

The data, drawn from university admissions service Ucas and estimates from the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS), highlight considerable variation in the economic benefits of different degrees. The IFS estimates that the average graduate will earn approximately £100,000 more over their lifetime compared to non-graduates with similar academic backgrounds. However, the outcomes are uneven, with about one quarter of graduates potentially earning less than those who did not attend university.

Subjects with strong earning potential show a stark contrast. Graduates in economics can expect to earn roughly £460,000 more than comparable non-graduates over the course of their careers. On the other hand, degrees in performing arts are associated with an average lifetime earnings deficit of around £60,000.

The trend extends beyond university-level choices. There are indications that secondary school students are also adjusting their A-level subject selections to improve prospects for admission to higher-paying degree programs. Enrollment figures for mathematics, business studies, law, and economics at the A-level stage have risen, while participation in English, history, and modern languages has fallen.

This shift reflects a growing emphasis among students on the financial returns of higher education, suggesting that economic considerations are increasingly shaping educational decisions.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.