The Daily Mail's university guide profiles the University of Exeter, highlighting its rise of five places in the overall league table and its success in balancing academic prestige with social mobility. Despite remaining a popular choice among privately educated students, Exeter recruits a notably diverse intake, leads the Russell Group in degree apprenticeship numbers, and was named University of the Year at the 2025 UK Social Mobility Awards. This matters because it shows a traditionally elite institution actively broadening access while strengthening its academic standing, with applications and admissions rising sharply.

The article details Exeter's investment in facilities, including new computer labs, a £6 million sports changing facility and a multifaith centre, alongside embedding skills such as critical thinking into all degrees. It notes 36% of last year's intake received contextual offers, 4,500 degree apprentices are expected by September 2027, and generous bursaries are available, including up to £2,370 annually for low-income students and a full tuition fee waiver worth £10,050 for care leavers. The university spans three campuses—Streatham and St Luke's in Exeter, plus Penryn in Cornwall—with accommodation costs ranging from around £5,986 to £10,789 depending on catering and location.