My daughter is in the process of registering for intake at Uni next year. We’ve been to see a campus at Cambridge last weekend and have to say it’s all very impressive. She’s completed the UCAS on-line registration this week and has selected her five preferences.
However, as you know only to well, the uni costs are trebled that of this years intake. I’ve calculated that she’ll come out of the end of the three years with the minimum of £42K debt plus other living costs, travel, interest etc. I had saved a little towards this but nowhere near the kind of costs are they mentioning. All of a sudden reality bites.
Although I’m more than happy subsidise some of her living expenses I have to say that the thought of my daughter having such a high debt scares the pants off me. I feel kind of guilty that this should be my burden but my wife has made it perfectly clear that this is her choice.
The problem with the government now cutting the subsidised tuition fees leave me a little sceptical about the whole thing.
Firstly, is there really any career that’s warrants a £40k plus debt for a very small chance that of employment in the chosen field?
Secondly, does the qualification really give her any further opportunities that her college BTeC wouldn’t or where other people have gained necessary and essential job training?
Lastly, is it going to be that students actually won’t bother applying? Early indications that UCAS applications are already down by this time last year.
Students would normally see the “uni years” as a first opportunity to leave home and lead an independent life style away from their parents.. but is this really worth the cost? Many students may seek commutable universities as living in just won’t be an option.
It appears to me that University will really be one to those that are on either side of the income spectrum. Those in the middle and the majority hit the hardest.
In my daughter eyes, she sees that although she’ll have the large debt, she can also pay the small repayments when she reaches a salary of 22k (thereabouts) until the debt is forfeited after 30 years. That’s all very well, but I’d expect someone at university to have high prospects and a highly paid job at the end otherwise what’s the point.
Students are now facing much tougher choices if in fact some have any. I was wondering if there were any parents in the same position, or any perspective students that are up against the same conundrum.
Thanks for reading
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