Is University
Actually Worth It?
Stop guessing. We calculate the Net Lifetime Value of your degree using real inflation, opportunity cost, and global tax data.
Projected Net Value (Age 40)
+$142,500
Opportunity Cost
-$118,000
Choose Your Calculator
Select the tool that matches your question.
Global ROI Calculator
The flagship tool. Compare University vs Work across 15+ countries with tax & inflation modeling.
Start CalculationStudent Loan Repayment
UK Plan 2/5 or US Loans? See precisely how much you will pay back vs how much is written off.
View RepaymentOpportunity Cost
The "Invisible Cost" of studying. Calculate lost wages and missed investment growth.
Analyze CostDegree Choice Ranker
Psychology vs CS? Compare up to 4 degrees side-by-side to find the highest Lifetime Value.
Compare DegreesTrade vs University
"The Wealth Race". Visualize how long it takes a graduate to catch up to a tradesperson.
Run the RaceCareer Switch ROI
Thinking of going back to uni at 30? Calculate the payback period for mature students.
Check PaybackWe analyzed tuition costs, compounding interest, and tax rates across 15 countries. The results overturn the conventional wisdom about the "Graduate Premium".
Is University Still Worth It in 2026?
The flagship report. We analyzed 10,000+ data points to see if the "degree premium" is dead or alive.
Read ReportIs a Degree Worth It on £28k?
A deep dive into the UK's "Graduate Tax" trap. At £28k, your student loan interest spirals out of control.
Read AnalysisComing Soon
"Computer Science Degree ROI: 2026"
Select Your Education System
University value varies wildly by border. A "good deal" in Germany might be financial suicide in the US. Choose your system:
United States
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🇬🇧United Kingdom
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🇩🇪Germany
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🇦🇺Australia
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🇨🇦Canada
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🇫🇷France
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🇮🇳India
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🇨🇳China
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🇳🇱Netherlands
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🇸🇪Sweden
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🇳🇿New Zealand
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🇸🇬Singapore
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🇯🇵Japan
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🇧🇷Brazil
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🇮🇪Ireland
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Frequently Asked Questions
How accurate is this calculator?
Very. Unlike basic "salary vs salary" comparisons, we factor in Progressive Tax Rates (generic inputs just assume flat tax), Compound Investment Returns (money you could have made investing instead of paying tuition), and Real Salary Growth Curves.
Why do you include opportunity cost?
Because time is money. If you spend 4 years studying, you miss out on 4 years of wages. That "lost income" could have been invested. For many people, this hidden cost is actually higher than the tuition fees themselves.
Do you cover student loan interest?
Yes. Our advanced models for the UK (Plan 2/5) and US account for loan interest accumulation. We are currently building a dedicated Student Debt Repayment Calculator to dive even deeper into this.