Do not go to university without reading this

Deciding whether to attend university is one of the largest financial and time commitments many people make in their twenties. In an era shaped by artificial intelligence, rising tuition, and rapidly changing skill demands, the decision deserves more scrutiny than it often receives. This article is not an argument against higher education. It is a call for deliberate choice.

Before accepting an offer, answer these questions honestly. First, what specific outcome are you seeking? If the answer is “a better job,” define which job and verify that the degree is a genuine requirement or strong preference for that role. Many employers now prioritise demonstrable skills, portfolios, and relevant experience over the possession of a degree alone.

Second, calculate the full cost. Tuition fees are only the beginning. Living expenses, lost earnings during three or four years of full-time study, and interest on student loans compound the total. Compare that figure with the expected salary premium for graduates in your intended field. In several disciplines the premium has narrowed or become uncertain, particularly where AI tools can already perform large parts of the entry-level work.

Third, examine the quality of teaching and outcomes for the specific course and institution. League tables and marketing materials can be misleading. Look at graduate employment data, the proportion of students in professional roles related to their degree, and independent reviews of teaching quality. A prestigious brand does not automatically translate into strong teaching or relevant industry connections.

Fourth, consider the opportunity cost of time. Three years spent primarily in lectures and essays is three years not spent building a professional network, accumulating practical experience, or developing skills that AI cannot easily replicate—complex interpersonal judgment, physical craftsmanship, or original creative direction. In fields where portfolios and proven results matter more than credentials, delayed entry into the labour market can be a genuine disadvantage.

Fifth, evaluate alternatives. Degree apprenticeships, bootcamps with strong employer links, professional certifications, and self-directed learning combined with real projects are increasingly viable. Some of these routes allow you to earn while you learn and leave you with less or no debt. They also force continuous contact with the workplace, which is valuable feedback that pure academic study cannot provide.

None of this means university is never the right choice. For certain professions—medicine, law, engineering, and some research careers—a degree remains essential or strongly preferred. For individuals who thrive in structured academic environments and who have a clear, high-return path, the investment can still pay off. The problem arises when university becomes the default option rather than a deliberate strategy.

Artificial intelligence intensifies the need for careful thinking. Tasks that once justified a degree—routine analysis, basic coding, first-draft writing, and data processing—are becoming faster and cheaper to perform with AI assistance. The remaining human advantage lies in judgment, taste, relationship-building, physical presence, and the ability to define problems that machines cannot yet frame. Education that strengthens those capabilities is valuable. Education that mainly signals compliance or delays decision-making is less so.

Before you enrol, speak to people who graduated from the same course five and ten years ago. Ask what they would do differently. Speak to employers in the sector you hope to join and ask how they currently hire. Test your interest with short courses, work experience, or personal projects. If the desire for university survives that scrutiny, proceed with clearer eyes. If it does not, you will have avoided an expensive and time-consuming detour.

The goal is not to discourage ambition. It is to align ambition with reality. In a world where AI is changing the value of certain credentials, the most important skill may be the ability to choose the right form of education for the outcomes you actually want.