New data from the Government and Universities UK has revealed that graduates in every region of the UK – including the West Midlands – earn at least a third more than their peers who do not go to university. 

Universities UK’s new analysis of government LEO (Longitudinal Education Outcomes) data demonstrates those who chose to attend university earn significantly more than those who didn’t – irrespective of the region they are from, providing a new perspective on opportunities for graduates in the West Midlands. 

By age 31, graduates from the West Midlands earn 36% more than non-graduates from the same region according to the LEO data, money which benefits these graduates’ wider communities, and the country as a whole. 

The analysis by UUK also shows that graduate skills are estimated to have had an economic impact of £95 billion nationwide in 2021-22 – including £8.39bn in the West Midlands.  

There is also a clear trend across the country – that those regions with more graduates are more productive, driving economic growth.   

The industries of the future, those that the government has set out as driving growth over the next decade, are heavily dependent on graduate skills - including the creative sector (76%), professional and business services (74%), and life science sector (73%).   

This analysis shows that a degree allows graduates from all regions to earn more. These graduates are driving growth for the country and will be the backbone of those areas the government has set out as key to delivering growth and opportunity to local economies.   

Professor Trevor McMillan OBE, Vice-Chancellor of Keele University, said: “The value of going to university goes far beyond the simple financial benefits to graduates, but this data highlights not only the impact of a degree for graduates and their salary prospects in the long run, but also the benefits to society that graduates bring with their skills, experience, and technical specialist knowledge, as well as the economic contributions they make throughout their time at university in their local and regional economies.” 

Professor Dame Sally Mapstone, FRSE, President of Universities UK, said: “Those of us who work in universities witness the transformative power of higher education every day, and it is compelling to see this borne out so strongly in this analysis. But this data shows something new – universities are anchors for growth right across the UK.  

“As well as contributing to their local area through the money they spend while studying, graduates go on to meet the needs of local industries and to earn more.  This new analysis gives a clear message to government, local and mayoral authorities that thriving universities in every part of the country are central to the prospects for individuals and communities.”