'One in two deterred' by top-up fees

Proposed student top-up fees could put off 49 per cent of youngsters considering going to university, a new report finds

13:55 10 August 2005

Proposed student top-up fees could put off 49 per cent of youngsters considering going to university, a new report finds.

The 2005 NatWest Student Money Matters study said of this year's university intake that they would be "less inclined" to go to university next year, after top-up fees are introduced.

This year's freshers expect to pay 28,600 for a three-year degree course, even without the added expense of top-up fees, but the majority still believe a degree is a good investment.

Moreover, nine out of ten students believe the debts racked up at university are a worthwhile investment for their future and fewer than one in three (31 per cent) are seriously worried about debts, a report by the National Institute of Economic and Social Research revealed.

"University is an investment in your future and nowadays a degree is a prerequisite in most well paid jobs," said Ann-Marie Blake, head of NatWest student and graduate banking.

"It is a great footing for your future life and helps you learn to stand on your own two feet."

But while students are prepared to pay the price of their higher education, this price is still rising. Current graduates expect to leave university with 12,640 of debt, up 460 on last year, NatWest reveals.