Degree ROI Calculator
Calculate the real return on any UK degree. Compare graduate vs non-graduate earnings using HMRC tax data, including tuition costs, maintenance, and student loan repayments.
What's Included
Full Cost Modelling
Tuition fees, maintenance loans, living costs, and opportunity cost of 3-4 years out of the workforce
Cumulative Earnings Chart
Visualise graduate vs non-graduate lifetime earnings with break-even point
Student Loan Simulation
Plan 2 and Plan 5 repayment modelling with interest and write-off calculations
Net Benefit Analysis
Clear answer: does this degree pay for itself, and by how much?
How It Works
Students select their degree subject and the calculator models the full financial picture: total costs (tuition + maintenance + living expenses), projected earnings from LEO graduate data, student loan repayments under Plan 2 or Plan 5, and the break-even point where the degree investment pays for itself.
Unlike generic ROI calculators, this uses real HMRC earnings data — not averages or estimates. Students see what graduates from their specific subject actually earned at every stage of their career.
Available on the University Plan
The Degree ROI Calculator is part of our University subscription, designed for careers services and student support teams. Starting from £500/year.
Total Student Debt
£57,684
3 years x £19,228
Break-even Point
15+ years
When degree pays for itself
15-Year Earnings Premium
£-31,205
vs not going to university
Salary at 5 Years
£38,000
Median for Computing graduates
Cumulative Earnings Comparison
Graduate (after loan repayments) vs non-graduate earnings over time
Net Benefit of Degree
How much better (or worse) off you are compared to not going to university
Loan Repayment Details
Total repaid in 15 years
£15,117
Remaining balance at year 15
£110,957
Written off after
40 years
This is a simplified model. Actual repayments depend on your exact income each year. Interest rates change annually. Most graduates never fully repay their loan — it's more like a graduate tax than traditional debt.
Earnings data: LEO Graduate Outcomes, Department for Education (2022-23). Non-graduate baseline: ONS earnings estimates.
This calculator provides estimates for educational purposes. Individual outcomes will vary significantly.
Data: LEO Graduate Outcomes, Department for Education. Tax year 2022-23.