Cost of university rises 300pc in two decades – with more costs on way

A new report by the University and College Union says the costs of higher education for students has spiralled and will continue to rise once changes to the tuition fees are introduced in two years time.

According to UCU analysis, the annual cost of going to university was 1,545.50 in 1988-89. It claims this had risen to 6,360 by 2009-10 – a 311.5 per cent increase.

By 2012-13 – the year in which the new tuition fee cap is expected to be introduced - the analysis suggests that the annual cost will be 12,750 per year - a further 100 per cent increase on the latest figure.

Today's report claims that in comparison with the 300 per cent increase in the cost of going to university, the cost of a shopping basket of everyday items rose has risen by 127.1 per cent since 1988.

The UCU also claimed that despite the increasing costs, the student to staff ratio has also risen, with one member of staff for every 16.3 students in 2008-09, up from one staff member for every 12.6 students in 1988.

UCU general secretary Sally Hunt said the planned increase in tuition fees represented "the final nail in the coffin of affordable university education."

She said: "The rest of the world is investing in education yet we're doing the opposite."