Are you wondering whether university is a good choice for your student’s future?
Whether you’re supporting someone who’s leaving school, or someone looking for a career change later in life – they have a lot of important decisions to make and often look to the people around them for help. This can also be an emotional time for you as their supporter too, but we’re here to help.
If you’ve not experienced university yourself, then it can be hard to know where to start. This guide will help you explore some of the reasons why your student should choose university study over the alternatives, and the benefits it can bring to them.
Better career prospects
Many industries require a degree to either enter the field or progress within it. Having a degree shows employers that students are dedicated and have a real interest in their subject area, plus they have the theoretical knowledge to back that interest up.
Edge Hill’s courses are designed with employers and blend practical experience with classroom learning, so students graduate with all the skills and knowledge they need to stand out to prospective employers.
Students can complete work experience placements and employability enhancing activities supported by the university – something which might not be possible if they weren’t a student.
More earning potential
Research shows that graduates catch up and overtake non-graduates quickly with regards to their earnings, even though they have less years in the labour market. This difference also continues throughout their careers.
The increased earnings don’t relate to the student’s socio-economic background either. Graduates who were previously on Free School Meals see average earnings grow 75% compared to 26% for non graduates (Universities UK 2025).
The study also showed:
“Graduates overtake those who chose not to go university within just a few years, earning at least 20% more once they are in their mid-20s. By age 31, graduates typically earn 37% more, and the gap is slightly higher (38%) for those from economically deprived areas.”
“Graduate earnings increase at a faster rate than those of non graduates. Between the ages of 23 and 31 average earnings grow by 72% for graduates compared to 31% for non graduates.”
University develops life skills
Particularly for younger students, university study is a big transition from school and they are expected to learn more independently. They are responsible for their own learning and development, while being fully supported by the university.
As a supporter of a student leaving school, it may be hard to see them head off on their own – but in their time at university they will learn valuable life skills and how to manage their own time, budget their money and be responsible for taking care of themselves. All of this builds confidence and resilience, and gives them skills they will use in future.
For mature students, it may be that they have been out of education for some time and need more support to get back into the world of learning. Or they may be nervous about what their student experience will look like in this different stage of life.
Rest assured, that whatever their transition may be, Edge Hill will fully support your student. Dedicated support is available with everything from budgeting and money advice through to mental health and academic support- we’re here to help students to grow and develop.
We even have UniSkills training modules which get our applicants up to date with the skills they need at university – like referencing and academic writing.
Valuable connections
Universities have strong industry connections that can help your student secure a work placement or even a graduate role. Often, universities will invite guest speakers to share industry insights or arrange trips to give students a taste of what to expect in the workplace and add talking points to their CVs.
These insights aren’t as easy to access without being a student, so having the support to access these opportunities is a great way for students to stand out to employers.
There’s also a lot of value in the connections students make with their classmates. As university study attracts people from all walks of life, your student can get to know people from all over the world – experiencing different cultures and expanding their horizons.
If your student is considering Edge Hill and you’d like to know more about the benefits of university study, book your place on an upcoming open day where we host a range of sessions designed to give students and their supporters all the information they need.
June 6, 2025
