University graduates from low socio-economic backgrounds earn less than their better-off peers, even taking into account university attended and subject studied, according to a UK report.
The Centre for Transforming Access and Student Outcomes (Taso), an independent charity, said its research shows that “privilege continues to pay” after university, and called for more action to narrow the earnings gap.
Taso’s study of existing literature shows that higher education is linked to clear economic benefits for disadvantaged students, with those who complete higher education securing higher future earnings than those who do not.
The best available evidence estimated that young people receiving free school meals earned £8,300 more in annual earnings 15 years after Key Stage 4 if they went to university than those who did not.
