Earn more by choosing LJMU

People who choose to go to university earn more through their lifetime – even after the costs of studying are factored in.

Latest figures from Universities UK shows that graduates from Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) and elsewhere will earn more through their lifetime compared to those who chose employment instead.

Ahead of results day on August 15, Universities UK tracked earnings from the age of 18 to 30 and found most graduates rapidly catch-up with and overtake non-graduates, with the salary difference increasing throughout their careers.

Danielle Anderson, Interim Head of Careers and Employability at LJMU, said: “Our graduates experience better job opportunities, higher earning potential, and greater professional growth, making the investment in higher education one of the most impactful decisions a student can make for their future.”

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, according to the analysis of government figures.

University courses remain no-cost until students have graduated and are earning more than £25,000 (approx.) per annum.

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.

For LJMU, 95% of graduates are in employment or in further study when measures 15 months after graduation, according to the UK Graduate Outcomes Survey.

Professor Dame Sally Mapstone, President of Universities UK, said: “This analysis shows choosing a degree really does pay off and that if you learn more, you’ll earn more throughout your working life.

“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.”

Danielle Anderson added: “LJMU programmes focus on employability and career readiness, so all students feel confident in their career progression.”

Notes to editors:

• For further information on this analysis, please find our insights and analysis piece on the topic, and the full data and sourcing.

   

• Universities UK is 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. Universities UK acts on behalf of universities, represented by their heads of institution. For more detail please contact our press office: https://www.universitiesuk.ac.uk/what-we-do/creating-voice-our-members/media-team