What are the benefits of Higher Education?

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Information from the DfES's website

Whether this is true or not i dont know, presumably there are reports and things which back this up but it's all very shaky evidence. You should only go to university if 1: you want to and 2: you think it will benefit you - not because of some government targets.

Here are some good reasons for undertaking and completing a course of study within Higher Education:

Even though the number of graduates has risen significantly over the last twenty years, the gap between graduate and average earnings hasn't narrowed and if anything, it has increased. And the economic returns to HE are higher in the UK than in any other OECD country.
Graduates are more likely to be employed than non-graduates.
Whatever you do in life, your career opportunities will be improved if you have a degree or diploma from a university or college.
If you want to work in some professions (such as law or medicine) you will have to have a relevant degree.
For those already in work a higher level course can increase their employment prospects.
Universities and higher education colleges are thriving social and cultural centres with much to offer students of any age, nationality or social background.

There is also information from the DfES targeted at prospective students on their Aimhigher website. They list an alternative set of benefits shown below:

What you can get out of HE:

Choices: Getting qualifications from university or college can open up more choices of fantastic jobs. And, with 50,000 courses at around a 500 universities and colleges to choose from there's bound to be a course which can help you on the way to your dream job.
Earnings: Those with a higher education qualification earn, on average,?around?50 per cent more than those without.
Jobs: Graduates are less likely to be unemployed than non-graduates. Which means the qualifications you'll get will help in your job search.
Promotion: Getting qualifications from university or college will improve your chances of going all the way to the top in your career.
Friends: You'll meet loads of new people from all walks of life at university or college. HE is for anyone who has the right qualifications to get in.
Social life: With so much going on, from Student Union Bars to social clubs, and on to the nightlife in the town or city you'll be studying in, you'll be sure to have the time of your life.
Confidence: Doing the course, meeting new people, sorting out everyday tasks like paying bills, making decisions for yourself everyday; all of these things will boost your confidence. And that will be obvious when you start your career.
Study: You'll more than likely be studying a subject you really enjoy, so the work won't be chore!
Financial support: There's help with money. Most students get help with their tuition fees and cheap student loans - which don't have to be paid back until you're earning £10,000 - will cover living expenses. And there are special bursaries and scholarships available too.
No regrets: Lots of graduates say they have no regrets at all about going to university or college. In fact, most will describe it as the best experience of their lives.