How accurate are these degree ROI numbers?

The model uses UK graduate outcome survey data, subject-level salary bands, regional adjustments, and Russell Group effects. It also applies UK Plan 2 student loan rules with 30-year write-off. Real outcomes vary by career path and economic conditions, so we show percentile ranges for uncertainty.

Does this include student loan write-offs?

Yes. Repayments are 9% of income above £27,295 and any remaining balance is wiped after 30 years. Lower earners often repay only part of the original loan, which improves ROI for some subjects.

What about foregone earnings while studying?

Toggle the foregone earnings option to include or exclude the opportunity cost of not working for three years (~£20k/year baseline). This can shift the break-even year by several years.

Why might some subjects show negative ROI?

Subjects with lower starting salaries (e.g., arts and social care) may not recover total study costs over the selected horizon. That does not account for non-financial benefits like passion or impact—this tool focuses on money only.

Can I compare two subjects side-by-side?

Run the calculator for your first choice, note the net gain and break-even year, then rerun with a different subject. The percentile ranges help compare risk and upside between options.

Is University Worth It? UK Degree ROI Simulator

How This Tool Works

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📋 Purpose

This simulator helps UK students, parents, and career switchers stress-test whether a degree pays off financially. It models subject-level earnings, Russell Group effects, regional salary differences, and UK Plan 2 loan repayments to reveal break-even years and lifetime net gain.

⚙️ How It Works

1
Pick your intended degree subject from 15+ common UK options
2
Choose what you are comparing against: no degree, apprenticeship, or a different subject
3
Select a time horizon (10 years, 20 years, or full career)
4
Optionally add advanced factors: Russell Group status, expected grade, work region, foregone earnings
5
Run the calculator to see net gain/loss, break-even year, repayments, and percentile scenarios

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Complete Guide to Degree ROI and Lifetime Earnings

Evaluate university financial viability: break-even analysis, student loan dynamics, career earnings by subject, and comparison to apprenticeships.

📅 Last updated: February 2026

Quick Tips

Jump-start your understanding with these essential tips

Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these steps to get the most from this tool

Subject selection is THE most important input: It drives starting salary (Engineering £38-43k, History £26-30k), career ceiling (Medicine £80-120k+, Arts ~£50-65k max), and earnings growth trajectory (STEM 3-4% annual raises, Arts 2-2.5%). The same university might offer degrees with wildly different ROI based on subject.

Research real-world earnings for your subject: Use the UK Graduate Outcomes Survey to find median starting salaries by subject. Don't rely on university prospectuses (optimistic) or career stereotypes (outdated). Law used to be guaranteed £60k starting; now many junior lawyers start £30-40k due to supply oversupply. Engineering remains strong at £40k+.

If your exact subject isn't listed: Choose the closest category. "Accounting" isn't in the list? Use "Business." "Architecture"? Use "Engineering." Earnings within categories vary (accounting > general business), but the tool's category earnings are typically median within the field.

Interdisciplinary or unusual subjects: Taking a degree in "Digital Marketing"? Choose Business. "Environmental Science"? Choose Science/Engineering (science tends to match engineering earnings, ~£35-40k). Most non-traditional degrees map onto a traditional earning profile.

Distance learning or part-time degrees: The tool assumes full-time 3-year degrees. Part-time degrees (5-6 years with work) create different cash flows: you start earning immediately, reducing opportunity cost. The tool's "foregone earnings" assumption is approximate; your real saving might be higher or lower depending on salary while studying.