Strong Earning Potential Propels Buckingham to Top of Affordability Index

University of Buckingham Outshines in Affordability Amid Sector Challenges

Affordability in higher education is considered crucial in ensuring access to academic opportunities while minimising financial strain. Rising tuition fees and living expenses continue to challenge many students, making it essential to identify institutions that prioritise affordability. According to a recent study conducted by A-Level Tutor Solar Tuition, the University of Buckingham was recognised as the most affordable university in the UK.

The study aimed to develop an affordability index to assist prospective students in making informed financial decisions. Researchers gathered data on various factors such as accommodation expenses, tuition fees, food costs, student salaries, transportation, and petrol prices. The information was sourced from university websites, accommodation platforms, cost-of-living indexes, job boards, and local transport price lists. These variables were prioritised based on their relevance to student life and normalised for consistency in analysis.

The affordability score for each university was calculated using a specific formula: Affordability Score = (1 - Σ(normalized_value × weight)) × 100. The University of Buckingham achieved the highest affordability score of 80.44 out of 100, which was largely attributed to its strong student earning potential. The analysis of 133 universities underscored Buckingham's distinction in this area. The study revealed that students at Buckingham earned an average annual salary of £35,456, a figure exceeding the national average. Additionally, essential living costs, including weekly food expenses averaging £25.78, were found to be relatively low. Transport costs were also economical, with one-way fares costing £2.00 and petrol priced at £1.42 per litre.

Despite being ranked 130th in the Complete University Guide 2025 and 133rd in the Guardian University Guide 2025, the University of Buckingham secured the top spot in affordability among the 133 UK universities surveyed. Researchers suggested that traditional university rankings often overlook financial considerations that significantly affect students' experiences and career prospects. While accommodation costs at Buckingham averaged £187.04 per week, its affordability profile was bolstered by a favourable income-to-expense ratio. Tuition fees remained capped at £9,250 per year, and transport costs, including local taxi fares at £1.06 per kilometre, were deemed manageable. Leisure costs like beer, priced at £4.50, were slightly above average, but the high graduate salaries further enhanced the university’s affordability rankings.

Dr. Andrew Lawson, the founder of Solar Tuition, explained that Buckingham’s impressive affordability score was largely driven by its graduates' exceptional earning potential. He noted that students at Buckingham enjoy a better financial situation, despite certain costs exceeding national averages. The University of Buckingham’s affordability ranking highlights its ability to offer students strong earning potential alongside manageable expenses, presenting a model for accessible higher education.

Editor’s Note:

In an era where UK universities are facing mounting financial pressures—due to inflation, reduced government funding, and rising operational costs—the University of Buckingham stands out for its impressive ability to maintain affordability. While institutions like the University of Cambridge report deficits exceeding £100 million, and others increase tuition fees or cut support services, Buckingham has managed to strike a balance in its cost management.

Buckingham’s approach to managing expenses by focusing on students’ earning potential highlights the importance of aligning academic programs with market demands. By offering degrees and training that enhance employability, universities can empower students to achieve financial stability after graduation, helping to offset tuition and living expenses. Moreover, Buckingham maintains a strong balance between income and expenses, managing costs such as accommodation, tuition, and transport effectively. Other universities can adopt similar cost-cutting measures, optimise operations, and leverage partnerships without compromising quality. Buckingham’s success further underscores the need to challenge traditional academic rankings, which often fail to consider financial factors.

Skoobuzz commends Buckingham’s affordability strategies, which prioritise student outcomes and financial accessibility, promoting a more equitable higher education landscape. The university’s model serves as an inspiring example for other institutions, encouraging them to rethink financial strategies in favour of sustainability and accessibility.