35% of Scots back university education despite costs - poll

MORE than a third of Scots think university education is a good idea despite the costs, but about one in ten believe it is 'no longer financially viable', according to a new survey.
By The Newsroom
Published 11th Jun 2016, 12:36 BST
Updated 13th Jun 2016, 13:19 BST

This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement.

More than a third of Scots think university education is a good idea. Picture: Neil HannaMore than a third of Scots think university education is a good idea. Picture: Neil Hanna
More than a third of Scots think university education is a good idea. Picture: Neil Hanna

Age is a key factor in whether going to university is seen as worth the money, with more than half (53 per cent) of 18 to 24-year-olds saying attending was a good move regardless of the finance required, falling to 32 per cent for 25 to 34-year-olds.

The YouGov survey of more than 3,000 Scots for the Bank of Scotland found 35 per cent thought getting a university education was a good idea despite the cost.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Just under a third, 30 per cent, believe on-the-job training or apprenticeships offer the best career prospects for young people while 10 per cent thought vocational education was best.

A total of 9 per cent of respondents said they thought a university education was “no longer financially viable”, highest for Scots aged 35-44 and lowest for Scots aged 55 and over at 7 per cent.

There was a marked regional difference in responses, with 46 per cent of people in Aberdeen and the surrounding area believing attending university was worth the cost, the highest in the country, compared a low of 22 per cent in mid-Scotland.

Fifers were most likely to view apprenticeships or on-the-job training as the best career route, with 37 per cent picking this option, falling to 27 per cent in Glasgow.

Rachel Bright, Bank of Scotland’s head of customer service said: “It’s interesting to see that many young Scots are enthusiastic about a university education and less concerned about the associated costs.

“Older generations clearly see the value of further education alongside the benefits that can be achieved through on-the-job training with the potential benefit of having less debt.”

The Scotsman’s EU Referendum page: Keep up to date with latest news, polls and features.

DOWNLOAD THE SCOTSMAN APP ON ITUNES OR GOOGLE PLAY

Related topics:AberdeenScotsman