New Analysis Highlights Universities With Poor Graduate Job Outcomes

A recent analysis of graduate job outcomes has identified institutions and degree programs that may not offer the best return on investment for students. The study focuses on the cost of higher education, particularly in England and Wales where degrees can cost nearly £50,000, and the subsequent employment prospects for graduates.

The analysis highlights concerns that popular fields such as law, accounting, computer science, and economics may not always lead to the desired career outcomes, regardless of the university attended. For instance, data indicates that approximately 30% of law graduates may not pursue a legal career within 15 months of graduation.

In the field of accounting, the analysis suggests that some universities have significantly lower high-skilled employment rates for their graduates compared to others. For example, Coventry University's rates are presented as a point of comparison for institutions with better outcomes.

However, the analysis also notes exceptions, with some institutions showing strong performance in specific fields. University College London, for instance, was noted as one of four institutions where every computer science graduate secured high-skilled employment 15 months after graduating in the summer of 2024.

These findings underscore the importance for prospective students to consider not only their chosen field of study but also the specific institution's track record in graduate employment when making educational and financial decisions.