How much will students pay?

OpinionPanel

It is critical that those involved in Higher Education understand the potential impact of uncapped fees; how much might students be willing to pay and would it vary by type of student, institution and degree?

We are delighted to announce the release of our report “How much more will students pay?” produced with higher-education economist, Professor Anna Vignoles (Institute of Education), to answer these questions. Based on a quantitative survey of 37,000 new first year undergraduates over three years, the report cuts through the current political debate and provides essential evidence for university planners.

Key findings include:

Degree subject is a key determinant of future earning potential and also the main driver behind willingness to pay higher fees. While 60% of Education students would reject a fee level of £6,000, fewer than 40% of Medicine and Dentistry students would have the same reaction.

Universities with an established reputation and image deter fewer students by charging higher fees. 35% of Russell Group university students would reject a £5,000 fee level for their degree compared with 48% at Alliance universities.

A student’s social and demographic background, while less important than course or institution, still plays a part in willingness to pay higher fees.

The 68 page report is priced at £250 plus VAT and is free if ordered alongside the full dataset (part of Opinionpanel?s Higher Expectations study).

See our Press Release on the report

Download the executive summary free of charge