35% of Scots back university education despite costs
More than a third of Scots think university education is a good idea despite the costs, but about one in ten believe it is “no longer financially viable”, according to a new survey.
More than a third of Scots think university education is a good idea despite the costs, but about one in ten believe it is “no longer financially viable”, according to a new survey.
Age is a key factor in whether going to university is seen as worth the money, with more than half (53%) of 18 to 24-year-olds saying attending was a good move regardless of the finance required, falling to 32% for 25 to 34-year-olds.
The YouGov survey of more than 3,000 Scots for the Bank of Scotland found 35% thought getting a university education was a good idea despite the cost.
Just under a third, 30%, believe on-the-job training or apprenticeships offer the best career prospects for young people while 10% thought vocational education was best.
A total of 9% of respondents said they thought a university education was “no longer financially viable”, highest for Scots aged 35-44 and lowest for Scots aged 55 and over at 7%.
There was a marked regional difference in responses, with 46% of people in Aberdeen and the surrounding area believing attending university was worth the cost, the highest in the country, compared a low of 22% in mid-Scotland.
Fifers were most likely to view apprenticeships or on-the-job training as the best career route, with 37% picking this option, falling to 27% in Glasgow.
Rachel Bright, Bank of Scotland's head of customer service said: “It's interesting to see that many young Scots are enthusiastic about a university education and less concerned about the associated costs.
“Older generations clearly see the value of further education alongside the benefits that can be achieved through on-the-job training with the potential benefit of having less debt.”