Aston University graduates will earn more through their lifetime compared to those who opt for employment instead, according to UUK analysis

• Universities UK found from the age of 18 to 30 most graduates rapidly catch up with and overtake non-graduates
• Graduates aged over 30 are more likely to be in work, and far less likely to be claiming benefits than those without a degree. 
• In May, government data showed Aston University graduates to be among the highest paid in the country five years after graduating.

Graduates from Aston University and across the West Midlands will earn more through their lifetime compared to those who chose employment instead, new analysis of government data has found. 

Ahead of the A-level results day on 15 August, Universities UK tracked earnings from the age of 18 to 30 and shows most graduates rapidly catch up with and overtake non-graduates, with the salary difference increasing throughout their careers. Graduates earn more than non-graduates over the long term and across multiple industries, even after the costs of studying – and higher taxes - are factored in. 

The analysis compared earnings for graduates with contemporaries who held the right qualifications to enter higher education but opted to seek employment instead. 

The new figures, based on government data linking student and tax records, show that on average: 

• Graduates overtake those who chose not to go university within just a few years, earning at least 20% more once they are in their mid-20s. By age 30, graduates typically earn 37% more than non-graduates, and the gap is even higher (38 %) for those from economically deprived areas
• Once over thirty, the salary gap continues to widen considerably, although the difference is lower for women 
• Graduates aged over thirty are more likely to be in work, and far less likely to be claiming benefits, than those without a degree 
• On average, graduate earnings are above £40,000 across all regions of the UK 10 years after graduation, and above £50,000 in London.

Professor Dame Sally Mapstone, president of Universities UK, commented:

“This analysis shows choosing a degree really does pay off and that if you learn more, you’ll earn more throughout your working life. With the potential to significantly increase earnings wherever you live or sector you work in – including the arts and media – this data clearly demonstrates that salary growth for graduates is a marathon, not a sprint.”

“It is crucial we do not lose sight of the many ways graduates find meaning and fulfilment in their careers beyond just their salary. However, this new analysis will be welcome for students, graduates and prospective students who have chosen to invest in their education. We hope today’s news will encourage more people to take a degree, either after A-levels, as an apprentice or later in life.”

On average, earnings for graduates are higher over time regardless of socio-economic background.  Graduates from a free school meals background will typically earn over a third more than non-graduates from the same background by the age of 30. 

Again, on average, those who has the right qualifications to enter higher education but opted to seek employment instead are more likely to be claiming out-of-work benefits by age 30. This is twice as likely in the North West to four times as likely in some parts of the country (such as the South West, South East, East Midlands and East of England).

In May, data released by the Department for Education showed that Aston University graduates are among the highest paid in the country five years after graduating.

The 2024 Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) data showed that employed Aston University graduates have the 19th largest median salary out of all higher education institutions five years after graduation at £35,400. The University is also in the top 20 for those assessed three years after graduation (2017-2018), being placed at 18th out of 147 higher education institutions. 
 
Professor Osama Khan, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic at Aston University, commented: 

“Aston University is rated highly for graduate employability and starting salary levels. 

“Our graduates are highly employable across a wide range of professions and go on to fulfilling and well-paid jobs once they have graduated. 

“We are committed to ensuring that our students are ready for work and life by providing them with the education and skills needed to enhance lifelong career potential, building employability into every course, together with the support of our award-winning careers and placements service.”

On Thursday 15 August the 2024 A-level results will be released. During this period universities will be making rapid decisions about applicants who may have narrowly missed the grades they needed for entry, as well as offering places through the clearing system. 

To help future students Aston University has published information on its website https://www.aston.ac.uk/clearing which covers topics such as how to use clearing, courses it has available, accommodation options and a virtual University tour. It has also set up a phone helpline, 0800 9175923, which will be available from Thursday 15 August 8am and will operate till Friday 23 August at 5pm to take calls from potential applicants.
 

Notes to editors

Aston University’s clearing phone helpline, 0800 9175923, will be open on the following:
•    Thursday 15 August – 08:00 to 19:00 hrs
•    Friday 16 August – 08:00 to 18:00 hrs
•    Saturday 17 August – 10:00 to 16:00 hrs 
•    Monday 19 August – 09:00 to 17:00 hrs
•    Tuesday 20 August – 09:00 to 17:00 hrs
•    Wednesday 21 August – 09:00 to 17:00 hrs
•    Thursday 22 August – 09:00 to 17:00 hrs
•    Friday 23 August – 09:00 to 17:00 hrs

About UUK
•    For further information on this analysis, please find our insights and analysis piece on the topic, and the full data and sourcing.
•    At Universities UK, we harness the power of the UK’s universities and create the conditions for them to thrive. We are the collective voice of 142 universities in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, bringing them together to pursue a common cause: thriving universities, serving society. We aim to ensure our universities can transform the lives of more individuals, drive greater growth and create flourishing places through the knowledge and skills they generate, while being globally competitive centres of research making ground-breaking discoveries. Universities UK acts on behalf of universities, represented by their heads of institution. For more detail please contact their press office: https://www.universitiesuk.ac.uk/what-we-do/creating-voice-our-members/media-team

About Aston University
For over a century, Aston University’s enduring purpose has been to make our world a better place through education, research and innovation, by enabling our students to succeed in work and life, and by supporting our communities to thrive economically, socially and culturally.
Aston University’s history has been intertwined with the history of Birmingham, a remarkable city that once was the heartland of the Industrial Revolution and the manufacturing powerhouse of the world.
Born out of the First Industrial Revolution, Aston University has a proud and distinct heritage dating back to our formation as the School of Metallurgy in 1875, the first UK College of Technology in 1951, gaining university status by Royal Charter in 1966, and becoming The Guardian University of the Year in 2020.
Building on our outstanding past, we are now defining our place and role in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (and beyond) within a rapidly changing world.
For media inquiries in relation to this release, contact Nicola Jones, Press and Communications Manager, on (+44) 7825 342091 or email: n.jones6@aston.ac.uk