Third of people say uni degree not worth it, as student loan inquiry begins
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- British Social Attitudes survey found 34% of people in 2025 think a university degree "just isn't worth the amount of time and money", up from 14% in 2005, the highest level in 20 years.
- National Union of Students (NUS) urged the Treasury Select Committee inquiry to examine the graduate earnings repayment threshold and interest rates.
- Treasury Select Committee will hear evidence from graduates about debt size and interest rates, receiving over 50,000 written submissions.
- Plan 2 loan borrowers such as Gemma saw her debt rise from £34,105 in 2016 to £41,908 as interest outpaces repayments, prompting delayed family plans.
- UK government says the current student loan system protects lower‑earning graduates, with repayments linked to earnings and loans written off after 30 years.
Why it matters: Graduates face rising debt and delayed life plans as interest outpaces repayments, while the Treasury Select Committee's inquiry could reshape thresholds and interest rates, affecting over 50,000 borrowers and taxpayers.
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