A growing number of young people in Wales are questioning the value of a university education, with many citing financial worries as their primary concern.
In a recent report, students and recent graduates expressed anxiety over rising tuition fees, living costs, and the burden of student loans. Some are opting for apprenticeships or direct employment instead, seeking a quicker route to financial independence.
"The idea of starting adult life with tens of thousands of pounds in debt is terrifying," one prospective student said. "I want a career, but not at the cost of being trapped in repayments for decades."
The trend highlights a broader shift in attitudes toward higher education, with an increasing number of young people weighing the return on investment of a degree against alternative paths.