Abacus Daily Debt News

Student debt fears deterring applications?

Children from middle-class families appear to be being put off from applying to university because of hikes in tuition fees, suggesting that debt fears may be a factor.

Figures from the Higher Education Funding Council for England have shown that interest in college places from such people is rising less quickly than other lower-income demographics, the Daily Mail reports.

And those who are not successful in achieving bursaries and grants in order to help them pay their way through university could be considering moving abroad or looking for work instead.

Statistics from the Student Loans Company also revealed that almost 140,000 school leavers did not receive grants in the autumn, with a minimum of 17,000 missing out after the income limit was dropped to £50,000.

However, those currently at university may like to consult a money doctor, of which there are many in more than 70 higher education facilities and who are trained by the Financial Services Authority to help young people manage their money.

By Sarah Adie