British Social Attitudes Survey Finds Record 34% Say University Not Worthwhile

A record 34 per cent of respondents in the 2025 British Social Attitudes survey said higher education is not worthwhile, more than double the 15 per cent who held that view in 2005. The share who believe graduates are better off in the long term fell from 50 per cent in 2005 to 36 per cent.

The annual survey, conducted by the National Centre for Social Research between August and October 2025, polled 4,656 individuals across the UK.

The findings come as 700,000 degree holders are now unemployed and claiming benefits, an increase of 200,000 since 2019, according to the Centre for Social Justice. Alex Scholes, a co-author of the BSA report, said universities serve as engines of social mobility and economic growth.

He added that recent debates about student loan repayment systems and the role of AI on the job market appear to have influenced public views.

"If public confidence continues to fall, we risk seeing the financial situation become even worse," Scholes stated. The survey showed 18 per cent of the public support a decrease in opportunities for young people to attend university, while 42 per cent overall and 49 per cent of degree holders feel there are too many recent graduates.

The BSA findings emerged amid growing calls for reform of the student loan system.

Scholes noted that universities face immense financial pressure and warned that continued erosion of confidence could worsen their financial position.