New friends and more earnings: University is a higher education in every respect

By Glynis Kozma. The potential for increased income is just one advantage of a degree, explains Glynis Kozma. With tuition fees of up to £9,000 a year, it's a relevant question whether higher education is really worth the costs. But students and parents can take some comfort from the fact that graduate earnings exceed those of non-graduates: in 2010, starting salaries of graduates were £6,184 higher. But income is not the only benefit of a degree. Studying at university involves, for the majority of students, living away from home. Most first year students live in halls of residence, which provide an introduction to independent living: managing a budget and, most importantly, living alongside other people with not too many arguments over the washing up. Read more...