Students 'more than repay investment'

Many complain about the strain students put on the taxpayer but new research shows the average graduate will boost the UK economy by well over £200,000 during their lifetimes.

 According to a report commissioned by the University and College Union, educating someone to degree level will result in the Government benefiting, on average, to the tune of an extra £180,000 compared to someone with just A-levels.

 In turn, a student with A-levels will give returns to the wider economy of some £47,000 over their lifetime, with the report warning the economy could be damaged if theUKdoes not produce more highly skilled workers.

  And with the average cost to the state of sending someone to university standing at almost £19,000 and a two-year A-level course costing about £5,000, the figures mean students more than repay the cost of their education.

  Conducted by the Institute for Public Policy Research, the report found that gaining better qualifications also had a big impact on personal earning power.

  University students in Leeds, for example, can expect incomes to include "graduate premiums" of, on average, £98,000 more over their lifetime than someone with two or more A-level

 Copyright Press Association 2012