Degrees earn graduates an extra £600k during working lifetime

Edge Hill University students received a boost this week following the publication of a national report on graduate income.

Not only are Edge Hill University graduates among some of the most successful in the job market, they will earn around £14,000 per annum more than non-graduates according to figures included in a report undertaken by investment firm Skandia.

This amounts to increased earnings of around £600,000 during their working lives.

The report, entitled First Steps to Wealth, looked at earning opportunities available to Britain's young people and how decisions made at age 16 can impact on long-term wealth.  The study shows that gaining a degree remains the best route to long-term financial gain, with graduates likely to earn, on average, over 50% more than people who enter the workforce at 18 and choose not to go to University despite undertaking A-Levels.

This good news for Edge Hill University students comes on the back of the Institution's ranking in the top four of English universities for graduate employment, with 95.2% of graduates finding work or further study within six months of completing their degree.

The report's findings, coupled with the University's high levels of graduate employment, its outstanding reputation for teaching and learning and places on the shortlist for Times Higher UK University of the Year in 2007, 2010 and 2011 is currently being reflected in another applications increase of 16.3% for 2012.

Vice-Chancellor Dr John Cater said: "The University has an excellent record for graduate employment, which can be attributed to the hard work of our academic staff and award winning Careers Centre in ensuring students are well-prepared for the labour market and are equipped with the skills that employers seek in job applicants.

"The report's findings on graduates' enhanced earning potential are pleasing and, along with the continued growth in demand to study here, they show that applicants believe an Edge Hill University degree is a good investment towards a successful career."