The Morning Poll: Is it still worth going to university?
The article poses a reader poll asking whether university remains worth attending, reflecting growing debate over the value of higher education. It matters because students increasingly weigh tuition costs and debt against graduate employment prospects, earnings and alternative routes into work.
The surrounding coverage focuses on university rankings, Clearing and which institutions or courses lead to well-paid, high-skilled jobs. However, the supplied text does not include poll results, detailed arguments from respondents, or evidence supporting a definitive answer.
- The article asks whether university still offers good value.
- Jobs and earnings are central to the debate.
- No poll results appear in the supplied text.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
University can still be a worthwhile investment because it provides structured education, recognised qualifications and access to professional networks that remain important in many careers. Supporters argue that it can broaden a person’s intellectual horizons, develop transferable skills such as critical thinking and communication, and offer opportunities that are difficult to replicate alone. They also stress that its value should be judged over a lifetime, not solely by immediate graduate earnings.
The case against
Critics argue that rising tuition and living costs can leave students with substantial debt while no longer guaranteeing secure, well-paid work. They contend that apprenticeships, vocational routes and direct work experience may offer clearer pathways into employment, particularly where employers value practical skills over degrees. From this perspective, university is worthwhile for some subjects and individuals, but should not be treated as the default route to adulthood or success.