Recent figures demonstrate that graduates from both Oxford Brookes University and the University of Oxford are outpacing their counterparts from other universities in

the South East region in terms of earnings five years post-graduation.

According to statistics from the Department for Education, first-degree graduates from Oxford Brookes University had a median annual salary of £31,800 in the 2021-2022 period, while those from the University of Oxford earned £46,000 on average during the same timeframe. These figures surpass the South East universities' average of £29,600.

Notably, graduates from Oxford Brookes University who pursued computing courses recorded the highest average earnings at £45,300, whereas those in agriculture, food, and related studies earned around £19,700 annually. Similarly, University of Oxford graduates in law had the highest average earnings at £64,600, whereas those in creative arts and design earned around £26,300 per year.

Comparing these figures to the 2015-2016 cohort, the average salary for Oxford Brookes University graduates was seven percent higher. Moreover, earnings for most providers and subjects have risen at or above the inflation rate since 2015-2016. However, it's important to note that these data only extend to the 2021-2022 tax year and do not reflect the inflation spikes in 2022 and 2023.

Tom Allingham, communications director at Save the Student, highlighted the promising outlook for graduates, particularly in STEM subjects. He mentioned a significant increase in student confidence about finding employment post-university in recent years, rising from 38 percent in 2021 to 58 percent in 2023.

Regarding gender disparities, the figures indicate a wage gap, with male graduates consistently earning more than their female counterparts. At Oxford Brookes University, men earned 17 percent more than women, while at the University of Oxford, the gap was 12 percent.

While these earnings trends paint an optimistic picture for graduates, uncertainties remain regarding future inflation impacts and whether upcoming graduates will experience similar earnings patterns as their predecessors. Photo by Steve Cadman, Wikimedia commons.