A recent survey of graduates from the summer of 2024 reveals a nuanced picture of university satisfaction. While most graduates say they would still choose university over any other path, a significant number regret their specific subject choice.
Most Graduates Value University
Most graduates said they would still go to university if given the choice. This stands despite rising student debt and concerns about graduate employment.
According to Matt Hiely-Rayner, an analyst who compiles the Guardian’s University Guide, only about 20% of graduates said they would do something completely different from university. That suggests a strong overall confidence in the value of higher education.
Subject Choice Is Where Dissatisfaction Grows
Despite strong overall satisfaction, fewer graduates say they would choose the same subject. Just 70% said they would stick with their original course.
Some of the most popular professional courses — like dentistry, veterinary science, and paramedicine — have seen a drop in graduate satisfaction. Architecture and computer science have also slipped out of the top 10 in course satisfaction.
Computer Science Faces Career Challenges
Computer science graduates show declining confidence. Four years ago, 66% of students entered graduate-level employment. Now, that figure stands at 56%.
Experts suggest artificial intelligence has reduced entry-level job opportunities. As AI tools take over routine tasks, early-career roles in software development have become less abundant.
Animation and Game Design Are Among the Most Regretted
Fewer than two out of three animation and game design graduates would choose the same course again. These fields now rank with journalism, marketing, and PR in terms of regret.
Graduates in these fields report limited career paths and uncertain job growth, especially in a digital economy where demand is shifting.
Economics Shows Mixed Results
Economics has long been seen as a secure choice with strong graduate pay. However, satisfaction varies by institution.
Hiely-Rayner notes that not all economics courses offer the same outcomes. Some graduates find their training doesn’t align with actual job markets.
University Institutions Remain Generally Satisfied
Graduate satisfaction with institutions is strong. The University of Bath leads with a high level of satisfaction among its graduates.
It is closely followed by Oxford and other universities in the Russell Group. The gap between top institutions is small.
Why This Matters
While graduates overall value university, subject-specific outcomes highlight evolving job markets. This signals that course design and career preparation must adapt to real-world demands.
It also shows that popularity does not guarantee long-term satisfaction. Students may choose subjects based on reputation, not future prospects.
Limitations and Open Questions
The survey covers only graduates from 2024, with data collected 15 months after graduation. This may not reflect longer-term trends.
It does not include data on students’ financial outcomes or job satisfaction beyond employment status. The survey focuses on course choice, not career success or income.
What to Watch Next
As AI reshapes industries, future surveys will likely track how different subjects perform in employment and graduate outcomes. Institutions may respond by updating curricula to reflect real-world skills.
Source: The Guardian, Revealed: the university courses students regret – and those they don’t
Sources & further reading
Featured image: University of The Bahamas – 2025 – Choices Dining Room.jpg by Bluerasberry, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Image source · License
