UUK responds to new HESA data on graduate outcomes in 2020/21

UK universities are world-leading – equipping graduates with the skills to enter, thrive and progress in the workforce. This data confirms that during uncertain economic times, a degree continues to give a significant boost to a graduate’s employment prospects. In fact, there has been a four percentage point increase in the proportion of graduates in 2020/21 in full-time employment compared with the previous year.

The benefits of going to university are not confined to salary and employability outcomes. Many graduates go on to work in roles that are vital to our economy and society, and meaningful to graduates even though starting salaries may be lower. The vast majority of graduates (84%) say they are engaged in meaningful activity and of those in employment that their work fits with career plans (88%). This supports the wide range of evidence showing personal, societal, economic and non-economic benefits of higher education.