Calculator: Comparing the cost of tuition fees

Student loan calculatorHow has the 2012 increase of university tuition fees in England affected students?

Complete the quick form below to get an idea of the real impact in numbers. You can leave the default values if you wish.

This tool has been designed using real figures and complex calculation to give you a true reflection.

Remember that the higher fees will only affect students enrolling at university from 2012!

The Cost of Uni Previous system Current system
1. Tuition fees (annual)
2. Maintenance loan (annual)
3. Years of study
4. Expected Average Salary

Your results

From 2012, if you enroll at university in England, it will take you around years to pay off your student debt under the new system as opposed to years under the previous one. Your total student debt will be £ which is % more than before. You will also be charged interest, based on your income, ranging from 0% to 3% (+ RPI)3. Based on your average salary over your working life, this interest would total £

Overall, the total cost of your university education will be
£* compared to £ under the previous system.
(*May be lower than your total debt as after 30 years any remaining debt is written off).

Bear in mind, this total is before you account for the loss of earnings during this period and other living costs whilst at university.

Despite the total cost of university growing, you will not have to start repaying your loan until you earn more than £21,000.

Your annual repayments may also be less (see below) and after 30 years any remaining debt will be written off.

Breakdown of the total cost of university

Previous system Current system
Tuition fees
Maintenance loan
Total debt
Annual payments 1
Years to pay off 3 Years Years


* All data has been sourced from the House of Commons report: 'Changes to higher education funding and student support from 2012/13'.

1. Calculated at 9% of earnings over the £17,495 (previous) and £21,000 (current) thresholds.
2. Previous system is charged at a 0% real interest rate. Current system is 0% if earning below £21,000 a year, with a progressive rate of interest from 0% to 3% for £21k-£41k salaries. Not allowing for RPI (inflation) this amount is calculated on a compounding basis.
3. In the current system, after 30 years your remaining student loan will be effectively written off. This is less than the previous system which was set at 25 years.


The Independent - Only a quarter of all graduates will pay off loans
BBC News - Students face tuition fees rising to £9,000

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