Best Universities for Value for Money 2022

Coming in at number one for value for money is Robert Gordon University! RGU has recently invested more than £100-million into the development of its campus, facilities, resources and study areas in the tranquil parkland around campus. Located next to the river Dee, there is always something happening on campus or in the bustling city of Aberdeen. Notably, Aberdeen was ranked #14 out of 71 cities for cost of student accommodation in 2021, providing further proof of it being excellent value for money for students. RGU has also been awarded third place in our teaching quality award for 2022, meaning students can be confident of receiving fantastic value from RGU’s outstanding teaching.

Featuring in the top three last year, the University of St Andrew’s renowned teaching quality continues to provide great benefit to students. St Andrews is one of only two universities to have won an award in every category this year. That is a testament to how their excellent career prospects, wide range of societies, well-equipped campus and lively Students’ Union come together to offer fantastic value to students.

For students dreaming of a busy city teeming with life, but worried about the substantial costs associated with it, Glasgow might be a good fit. Glasgow is 43% cheaper to live in than London and GCU is situated right in the centre. Despite being less expensive, GCU maintains excellent student satisfaction rates, delivering impressive value for money to its students. GCU's career-focused programmes, innovative teaching and world-class facilities continue to set the university apart at this value point.

Superb teaching quality results in 91% of graduates from the University of Aberdeen being in, or due to start, employment or further study 15 months after graduation. As one of the oldest universities in the UK, Aberdeen has extensive facilities, including three museums on campus! One student commented, “class sizes are small, that made me feel valued and that staff had time for me”. A good ratio of students-to-lecturers helps to optimise learning environments.

Investment in the facilities at Lancaster University has clearly paid off, being featured once again in our top 20 universities in value for money. Students at Lancaster get to enjoy 560 acres of green campus, teeming with fantastic facilities and places to relax. This beautiful environment, coupled with bright careers prospects, provides students with exceptional value for their money.

Ulster University offers excellent teaching quality combined with state-of-the-art facilities and resources which students have highly praised in reviews. REF’s 2021 assessment positions Ulster University in the top 10% for exceptional research in the UK and they have a particularly strong reputation in the fields of geography and environmental science. They enjoy an extremely high graduate employment rate and have won a spot in our top three universities for prospects this year. Students studying at Ulster can view their degree as an investment for years to come.

The market town of Huddersfield ranks #23 out of 71 towns and cities in the UK for cost of student accommodation, contributing to the university's reputation for providing good value for money for students. The University of Huddersfield is renowned for their top-rated placement years in industry, with 100% of undergraduates having the opportunity to take one. 90% of graduates from Huddersfield were in, or due to start, employment or further study 15 months after the end of their course, proving the positive impact of investing in their education.

The University of Sheffield is the only university to be an overall winner and feature in all 10 sub-awards from StudentCrowd this year! Performing excellently in all areas, students considering Sheffield can be confident in the fantastic value for money being offered. The city is teeming with shops, bars, resturants, clubs and energy. Moving between these places is easy too, with cost effective public transport available around the clock. For the price, few universities can compete with such a well rounded and comprehensive experience.

Retaining a top-10 spot on our list, Imperial College London's teaching quality is world-famous and students benefit from the research-led approach to teaching and learning. Students can co-create important research in their fields of study, alongside highly professional academic staff. Imperial is located in the heart of London, with nine campuses spread around the city. Students have access to a plethora of resources in the capital, from museums and shops, to the ability to study in the British Library. Imperial College may be based in the most expensive city in the UK, but offers an exceptionally high quality education.

As a member of the Russell Group, the University of Southampton provides excellent teaching quality across its 300+ undergraduate courses. This high standard of teaching translates to employment rates, with over 92% of students employed or in further study within 15 months of graduating. Reviews of the university regularly feature praise for the friendly atmosphere, helpful and supportive staff, as well as extensive resources available to students. This combination of strengths provides students with an incredible education for their money.

Being right in the centre of the Welsh capital, students at Cardiff University can expect a lively time with easy transport connections within Cardiff and to further afield. Within their well-known Student’s Union, The Great Hall and Y Plas venues regularly host events and live music. With over 200 societies to join, there is something on offer for everyone. Excellent teaching quality and a focus on research makes Cardiff a solid choice for anyone wanting to gain a top degree in a capital city that doesn't cost a fortune.

Founded in 1832, Durham University has been at the forefront of world-leading research for quite some time! Research quality is a reliable marker of university status so combining that with a supportive and constructive teaching environment has led to Durham graduates being sought-after in the job market. A massive 92% of graduates are in, or due to start, employment or further study 15 months after graduation, making a degree from Durham a solid financial investment.

It's no wonder that Cardiff Metropolitan University features in our top 20 list. Their unique approach focuses on subject-specific teaching and applied research, arming students with an array of digital skills that will equip them for their future vocations. These skills are strongly desired in the workplace, and as CMU has close links with more than 5,000 employers, graduates can be confident that they will that their time at university will help them thrive in their future careers.

Royal Holloway is one of the top research-led institutions in the UK but still puts a strong emphasis on successful career acquisition. Royal Holloway has one of the most stunning parkland campuses in the UK yet is only a short train journey into London, so students have endless options for recreation and leisure. Students are able to enjoy their proximity to the capital city and yet benefit from the friendly atmosphere on campus and a plethora of clubs and societies to dive into!

Keele University continues to prioritise innovative teaching and renowned facilities, to give students access to all the resources they need to become highly employable. Students are provided with excellent support through subject-specific personal tutors to help them develop and reach their potential. This results in a massive 92% of graduates being in, or due to start, employment or further study 15 months after graduation.

The University of Liverpool features in a whopping nine subcategory awards this year and was in the top five last year for value! The Liverpool city centre campus offers a whole host of green spaces whilst also being in the middle of a buzzing city. From specialist sporting facilities and bars to museums, there's always something going on. The Liverpool Guild of Students offers an abundance of services and over 200 societies.

Located in the centre of Glasgow, one of the UK's most affordable and friendly cities, is the University of Strathclyde. Evidently deserving to retain its place in our top 20, Strathclyde has managed to generate high levels of student satisfaction, with over 90% of graduates in work or further study 15 months after graduation. They are investing a great deal in their campus over the next few years, ensuring their facilities remain cutting-edge and facilitate a conducive learning environment.

Situated on a 750-acre estate of green space and staggering lakes, the Warwick campus is a sight to behold! Warwick’s fantastic teaching facilities, combined with engaging lecturers who deliver content to the highest standards, create a wonderful learning environment for students. With over 250 societies, students are spoiled for choice when it comes to picking extracurricular activities. With superb employment prospects, as well as an excellent student experience, it's no wonder Warwick feature on our shortlist for best value.

Highly valued for its research output and teaching quality, the University of Reading has won a total of nine subcategory University Awards this year, ranging from internet and personal tutors to the Students' Union. Students highly rate the beautiful campus spaces and variety of facilities and activities available. The University of Reading provides good value to students by developing transferrable skills, utilising their business links and preparing them for their chosen careers.

The University of East Anglia’s campus has copious amounts of green space, beautiful architecture, over 15 eating spots and is home to their £30-million Sportspark, one the UK's top sports facilities. Students also have access to over 200 societies and clubs! The diverse, thriving and supportive community at UEA helps to provide some of the best student satisfaction. The sense of community is created by both the students and teachers, with students quick to praise the supportive staff in reviews.