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.”
