The number of university students who view their course as “value for money” has risen to the highest level in a decade, reflecting widespread positivity among current undergraduates despite public concern around graduate debt and jobs.
Results of the annual Student Academic Experience Survey, run by AdvanceHE and the Higher Education Policy Institute (Hepi), appear to transcend the gloomy mood around UK universities, with increases in several key metrics pointing to a “positive experience all round” for students.
In a year dominated by discussions over the burden of student debt – and in which universities saw significant job cuts and industrial action – the number of students saying they believed their course was good value for money rose from 37 per cent in 2025, to 45 per cent in 2026 – the highest result since 2013, when it was 50 per cent. This came despite the first fee rise since 2017, with students charged £9,535 a year since September.
Based on a survey of more than 10,000 students, a report into the findings says the results were “striking”. Those who believed their course was “poor” value for money fell from 29 per cent last year to 23 per cent in 2026.
Students that perceived good value for money were most likely to say teaching quality and course content were the main factors driving their decision – with positivity about both factors increasing this year.
