The UK's most affordable universities revealed
The University of Buckingham has been named as the most cost-effective choice for students in the UK, securing an affordability score of 80.44 out of 100.
This places Buckingham well ahead of 132 other institutions, highlighting its unique blend of high graduate earnings and manageable living expenses.
The research from Solar Tuition points to Buckingham's standout financial advantages, including an average student salary of £35,456.
Weekly grocery bills are notably low at £25.78, compared to the national student average, while transport costs remain reasonable, with a one-way local bus ticket priced at £2 and petrol at £1.42 per litre.
Exceptional student earning potential
Dr Andrew Lawson, the firm's founder, said: "What makes Buckingham stand out in our research isn't just reasonable living costs , but the exceptional earning potential of its students.
"With an average student salary of £35,456 – substantially higher than at most UK universities – students at Buckingham benefit from a much more favourable financial situation than their peers elsewhere."
He added: "For prospective students concerned about finances, Buckingham offers an environment where the overall affordability picture is the strongest in the UK, despite some costs being above the national average."
Result challenges conventional metrics
Despite ranking 130th in the Complete University Guide 2025 and 133rd in the Guardian University Guide 2025, Buckingham's top affordability score challenges conventional metrics.
The study suggests traditional rankings often sideline critical financial considerations which shape student life and a student’s future prospects.
Solar Tuition's methodology evaluated essential student expenses, such as accommodation, tuition, food and transport, alongside earning potential.
Data was sourced from university websites, accommodation platforms and cost-of-living indices, with variables normalised to create a balanced affordability index.
This approach offers prospective students a practical tool for navigating higher education choices based on financial realities.
The most affordable universities
While weekly accommodation costs average £187.04, Buckingham's exceptional income-to-expense ratio drives its leading position.
Tuition fees are set at the national cap of £9,250 per year, and local taxi fares are modest at £1.06 per kilometre.
Leisure expenses, such as £4.50 for a pint of beer, are slightly higher but do not overshadow the overall financial benefits.
The top five most affordable universities include Hartpury University in Gloucester with a weekly student accommodation rent of £147.25, the University of Wales Trinity Saint David in Carmarthen with £101.65, the University of Staffordshire in Stoke with £132.93 and the University of Hull with £189.57.
The top 10 is made up of Edge Hill University in Ormskirk, Sheffield Hallam University, the University of Suffolk in Ipswich, the University of Bradford and Liverpool Hope University.
Wanting quality student accommodation
Simon Thompson, the managing director of Accommodation for Students, said: "There's an interesting point here about the metrics being used to measure university affordability.
"There will be students keenly interested in these results and wanting quality accommodation for their studies."
He added: "While most of the universities don't appear on other affordability tables, there's a lot to take away from this study.
"Mainly, students who are looking for an affordable way to earn a degree and enjoy better job prospects while paying reasonable rent for student accommodation."
