The table illustrates the incomes of graduates and non-graduates in the UK over a 10-year interval, starting from the year 2000, measured in pounds. Overall, people with a university degree earn significantly more than those without. Additionally, individuals aged between 32 and 52 receive the highest salary , regardless of their educational background.
At ages 32, 42, and 52, graduates experienced a gradual increase in salary, rising by around £1,000 every 10 years—from £31,500 to £33,500—surpassing the average income of £29,900. In contrast, non-graduates earned less, and their incomes declined slightly with age, from £19,100 at age 32 to £18,200 at age 52, though this was still above the average income for non-graduates (£17,800).
Regarding the youngest age group (22 years old), the gap between the two categories was not very large, with graduates earning £15,800 and non-graduates earning £14,500. By the time people reached 62, the income difference became more noticeable. Graduates earned £21,300, while non-graduates only earned £15,300, highlighting the long-term value of higher education.