With headlines about student debt, rising living costs and graduate employment, it is perhaps unsurprising that some families are beginning to question whether university is still worth the investment. For many of us, university was a natural next step after school, but the landscape our children are entering looks rather different from the one we experienced.

Last week, I had the pleasure of chairing a national admissions conference, bringing together colleagues from schools, universities and leading employers to explore the changing world of higher education. As Co-Chair of the GSA/HMC Higher Education and Futures Committee, I am fortunate to be involved in these conversations regularly, and I always find it fascinating to hear what the latest research tells us about the opportunities awaiting our young people. Two presentations, from UCAS and the Higher Education Policy Institute (HEPI), were particularly illuminating. And the overriding message? There is far more to be optimistic about than recent headlines might suggest.

So what do graduates actually think? One of the most striking findings shared by HEPI was the enormous gap between public perceptions of university and the experiences of graduates themselves. When asked whether they would choose to go to university again, just 8% of graduates said they would not. Yet the public believes that figure is closer to 40%. Similarly, while almost half the public believes student debt negatively affects graduates’ lives, only 16% of graduates themselves report this. These are remarkable differences. They suggest that the often rather gloomy national conversation about higher education is not reflected in the experiences of those who have actually been through it.

Of course, university is a significant financial commitment, and choosing the right course matters. Indeed, 39% of graduates say they would choose a different degree if they had their time again. But this reinforces the importance of good careers guidance and informed decision-making, rather than questioning the value of university itself. And there are financial benefits too. HEPI highlighted research suggesting that the average financial return from a degree is around £110,000 over a lifetime, although this varies considerably depending on the course and institution.

I have always believed that the value of university extends well beyond the degree certificate. It is about independence, friendships, discovering new interests and learning to navigate the world as a young adult. So I was particularly encouraged by HEPI’s findings on student belonging. Despite frequent headlines about loneliness and isolation, around two-thirds of students report feeling that they belong at their university, and this figure is rising. Similarly, 70% feel comfortable expressing their views, another figure that is moving in a positive direction.

University life is certainly changing. More students are working part-time alongside their studies, and the rapid growth of artificial intelligence is transforming how they learn. But universities are adapting, with new approaches to assessment and an increasing focus on preparing graduates for a changing workplace. UCAS also shared some fascinating insights into how university choices are evolving. Engineering and technology are attracting growing numbers of applicants, while specialist courses in areas such as artificial intelligence are expanding.

What struck me was the importance of helping young people look beyond familiar courses and institutions to understand the full range of opportunities available. This was reinforced by the panel I chaired on degree apprenticeships, where representatives from Dyson and BPP, alongside recent degree apprenticeship graduates from PwC, spoke about the extraordinary opportunities these pathways can offer. From professional qualifications to international experience, there are now more ways than ever to combine academic learning with practical experience.

So the question is no longer simply whether to go to university, but which pathway will best help each young person fulfil their ambitions. For me, this is where schools have such an important role to play. At Bedford Girls’ School, we know our students as individuals. We understand their strengths, interests and aspirations, and we can help them navigate an increasingly complex range of choices with confidence. Through our Pathways Programme, university guidance, alumnae connections and opportunities to engage with employers and universities, we want every girl to make decisions based on sound information, rather than assumptions or headlines.

So, is university still worth it? My answer is a resounding yes. Not because it is the right destination for absolutely everyone, but because the evidence shows that higher education continues to offer enormous personal, academic and professional benefits. As former Universities Minister Lord David Willetts recently put it: “Going to university is the most powerful single tool we have to boost the living standards and life chances of many young people.” That is something worth remembering the next time we read a gloomy headline.