The hidden costs of university: why technology is key to solving them

A good education is often the foundation of a happy and successful life. Recently, much focus has been given to non-academic pathways, and an alleged ‘devaluation’ of the university degree. However, it’s hard to argue with the data, with research showing that, when compared to non-graduates, graduates are both employed at a greater rate and earn more on average. The UK is blessed with a number of world class universities, and it’s important for the economic and social health of the country that young people of all social backgrounds are provided the opportunity to attend.

The importance of accessibility is well understood by faculties and government alike, and we can point to several initiatives designed to further this aim. Many of these focus on removing economic obstacles to university, and while financial barriers are definitely significant, the programmes aimed at removing them are often too narrow in their scope. The cost of tuition will certainly prevent many from pursuing higher education, especially with fees costing £9,250 a year, and with the average graduate now leaving with a total debt of £40,000. However, the focus placed on tuition fees has inadvertently distracted from one of the biggest costs to students: the price of university textbooks.