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Graduate Salary vs Apprenticeship Calculator

Last updated: April 2026

Route comparison inputs

Financial crossover point

No crossover

Graduate cumulative earnings do not overtake within this horizon.

Cumulative earnings comparison

After 5 years

Graduate: £6,734

Apprentice: £110,513

After 10 years

Graduate: £173,208

Apprentice: £251,558

After 20 years

Graduate: £646,663

Apprentice: £661,319

Earnings chart

Graduate Apprentice

Loan repayment impact

Monthly loan repayment at £30k£38
Total repaid over 40 years£50,000
Amount written off£0

Honest assessment

This is financial comparison only. University offers non-financial benefits such as independence, networks, and broader learning that are not captured here. The right choice depends on your career path.

Degree apprenticeship note

Degree apprenticeships combine the best of both: earn while you learn, no tuition debt, and a full degree. Major employers offering degree apprenticeships include NHS, Deloitte, PwC, BAE Systems, BT, and many councils.

What is a degree apprenticeship?

A degree apprenticeship combines paid work with university-level study. Your employer and government funding cover tuition, so you can earn a salary while working toward a degree or professional qualification.

Which careers suit apprenticeship routes?

Apprenticeships are strong in accountancy, banking, engineering, technology, healthcare, construction, public services, and business operations. Some firms actively recruit school leavers into long-term professional pathways.

How student loan repayments work

Student loan repayments are based on income, not the amount borrowed. Under Plan 5, graduates repay 9% of earnings above £25,000, and any remaining balance is written off after 40 years.

What does this mean?

This calculator is designed to help you understand the likely number before you make a decision or start an application.

Your result should be checked against official UK guidance, especially if your circumstances include dependants, exemptions, prior leave, or a complex immigration history.

Treat the figure as a planning tool rather than legal advice. Where the answer affects an application deadline or major payment, speak to an authorised adviser.

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