UK research | First-generation graduates have higher starting salaries - are they more motivated to succeed?

First-generation university graduates have higher starting salaries than graduates who have a family history of going into higher education, according to new research from Universities UK (UUK).

The two surveys, which had over 3500 respondents of graduates and business leaders, attempted to quantify the value of attending university.

Graduates who were the first in their families to attend university earn an average salary of £30,111, whereas graduates whose family members attended university had an average starting salary of £27, 754, almost £3000 less.

Listen to more from us

New Podcast | Zurich UK's new approach to graduate scheme hiring

60% of those respondents who are business leaders, and were the first university graduates in their family, said this experience helped them go into senior positions faster and 51% said it allowed them to fast track their career.