Is University worth it?

[iBlueBox]

With high un-employment rates, University costs now at an all time high and other alternatives such as apprenticeships.

Would you say going to University is worth it?

[Kardan]

I'd say yes. I'm planning on going into teaching, so I don't have to worry about their being a lack of jobs - so many Maths teachers are needed that I could get up to £27,000 from the government to go into teaching Maths, depending on my degree classification.
I don't know much about apprenticeships, as I've not had one since I went to Uni, but I always imagine them as work experience for a year and then you hope you get a job at the end of it...

[dirrty]

entirely depends on the individual, what industry one wants to go into, etc. therefore it's not remotely possible to answer the question. work experience/internships are highly desirable (and therefore very competitive), which is an added bonus to have alongside a degree. i'd personally prefer to have a degree though (which i will in a few months).

[Catchy]

It depends what degree you're going into.

[Zak]

Some jobs require a degree, like mine.. no degree means you don't get the essential job tick therefore no interview.

So yes.

[Doughnut]

It depends on what you want your future to be like.

Though going to Uni widens the career choices there are for you, so I'd say its worth it

[Lee]

I think if I was an employer a Degree is more eyecatching to me than an apprenticeship. Getting both would be hugely beneficial if possible.

[mrwoooooooo]

I think if I was an employer a Degree is more eyecatching to me than an apprenticeship. Getting both would be hugely beneficial if possible.

a lot of people think otherwise, experience > degree

[Shar]

It depends on the course, individual and how passionate they are about getting a career out of the course or using it as good experience to help them to get somewhere in life instead of going to uni to party and not learning anything by the end of it.
In my opinion, it is.

[Inseriousity.]

Depends on the job. I think one advantage to uni is that you meet people with connections. there's that old saying 'it's not what you know, its who you know' so if you used uni as a possible means to network your way into things then it can be a good springboard in later life.

[Chippiewill]

a lot of people think otherwise, experience > degree
Degree with industrial placement is like the holy grail for resume awesomeness because of this.

[Wig44.]

a lot of people think otherwise, experience > degree

For mickey mouse courses maybe. Usually the degree is your foundation and your experience the differentiator.

[Zak]

For mickey mouse courses maybe. Usually the degree is your foundation and your experience the differentiator.

+1 to that

[Charz777]

1. It depends on the degree. If you want to go into something that requires a degree such a teaching, health professional, legal professional etc, then obviously it's the only way to go. If you're going for somethingthat is a research field like Science, then also yes, universities are core places of research. If you're going for a vocational career I'd say no, you need training and experience more than eductation. You also have to consider whether the degree will help you. Without offending anyone, is it a 'serious' degree. Sciences for example or is it one of those Mickey Mouse courses?

2. The cost. £9k a year is a lot! I got in at the £3.5k cut-off but I know I'd have doubts about paying/having the loan for £9k a year. And I was 100% set on doing my degree, which I consider to be a very serious subject and key to my career plan. £27k + accomodation and other loans are a lot to have around your neck.

[alexxxxx]

yes uni is worth it. don't worry about the loan, you'll likely never pay it off due to the very favourable payment conditions.

[dggood]

Like everyone has mentioned it all depends on the job, so it depends on the type of person you are.
If you aren't ambitious or like a challenge if you are happy with an entry level job with a minimum/average income that will only increase with inflation and may not lead to promotion or opportunities. Then by all means don't go to uni. =]
Some people are happy with that, which is fine, the problem is that when you are 40-50 and still doing these entry level simple jobs complaining about the work you are doing or the others in your job. Shut up? because this is the decision you made for choosing that life style so many years ago =]
I do disagree with people saying as an employer they would choose some one with a degree over an apprenticeship, that REALLY does depend on the job. For example, i wouldn't hire an electrician or any tradesman that went to uni and has a certificate of three years studying it with only 2 weeks of work experience with it.
I also wouldn't hire an accountant or Graduate finance student that has spent years book keeping for a company but has had NO teachings in economics, commercial law and corporate finance and accounting.

SO the question is.. What do you want to be when you grow up!? =D