Are Students Facing a Cost of Choice Crisis?

The latest Engaging Youth update is out and this time we're taking a look at the impact of economic pressures and how they're impacting student decision-making. 

Is the degree being deinfluenced?

The "value" of getting a degree is something that's well debated among students, increasingly as the cost of getting one has increased and we're also seeing that dialogue continue among students about whether its worth it and what they're getting for their money. 

What's in a decision?

Weighing up the decision of going to university is shifting. Course and university choice is, of course, right up there. But, if you're unpacking the comments section, you'll see location is ever important - but it's less about the university and more about accommodation costs and commuter links. 

Degree with a deference?

I loved reading some discussion about students' relationship with their university education. this had shifted with the rise in fees but coupled with the somewhat broken promise of what studying and working hard would lead you to (job security, financial security and a foot on the housing ladder), is this shifting the relationship students are having with their degree? From everything from attendance, learning delivery, to whether they see the format as helpful to their need for work and commutes?

Making it work

The job markets' not easy, the degree isn't a guarantee into work and more than ever, students are needing to find part time work alongside their degree and that's having an impact on their student experience and participation. 

Have a read through some of these ideas in more detail, there's a few stats and facts and a number of student perspectives too.