Student finance through the ages
A fluctuating political landscape has changed the face of student finances over the last seven decades. But how has it impacted student life, and how does it compare to 2024?
From those who graduated in the fifties to those who are still students now, we asked what life was like during their time at Leeds, how government support impacted them - and how they made ends meet.
In the immediate post-war era, tuition fees were paid by the individual, but grants and scholarships were available to help support students with the cost of university.
A renewed appreciation for science, arts and education after the war led to a growing number of voices calling for the democratisation of higher education.
1954
Glyn Wreakes (Dentistry 1956)
I was grateful for my parent’s sacrifice
"I had a grant that covered little more than the fees. Due to the practical elements of our course we were only allowed four weeks holiday a year so there was no scope for jobs in the vacation. We had to buy our own set of instruments at some cost. Perhaps not surprisingly only one student in our year was in a hall of residence, the rest of us travelled in from home daily.
"I’m sure that in my case it placed a significant financial strain on my parents. I am and always will be hugely grateful to them for the sacrifices they must have made to provide the launchpad for my career."
The Education Act 1962 meant Local Education Authorities had a legal obligation to pay tuition fees and provide a maintenance grant for living costs. This did not have to be repaid – effectively resulting in free higher education.
1964
Patricia Morris (Textiles Chemistry 1967; MPhil 1969)
I made regular visits to the bank
"I remember my fees were paid, and in addition I received £70 per term for living costs. The £70 was in the form of a cheque which I paid into a bank account (with a bank book) and I withdrew the money in small amounts by visiting the bank.
"This had to cover everything – a contribution to my parents for my board and lodging (I lived at home), books (expensive but essential – the book exchange in the basement of the Union building was vital), equipment and transport.
"Taking a part-time job was not possible during term time because of my timetable and workload. I worked for the Post Office delivering mail at Christmas to bring in a little extra cash."
1974
Andrew Herbert (Computer Science 1975)
I went home with £20 to spare
"We were very privileged to be able to go to university. Tuition fees were covered, and my parents are ordinary working people so I got the full grant of £495 at the time. I remember the end of the first year I went home with £20 spare.
"I’m keen to see that it isn't just those who can afford to go to university that get there and that universities can educate the folks who want to be there."
In 1981, sector cuts led to a 15% cut to funding on higher education grants. Courses were cut and many students lost their grants – although tuition fees were still covered. Students demonstrated against the changes.
1984
Paul MacNiven (French & Management Studies 1987)
Beer was 50p a pint
"I believe the minimum level of student grant was about £2,000 each year, and that’s what I received as my parents’ income exceeded the threshold to get any higher. There was also a recommended total living allowance which your parents were supposed to contribute to get you up to, and my parents did do that, which was my good fortune. Not all did.
"I was fairly careful with my money at university and budgeted down to a fair bit of detail, and I was successful in that I left university without an overdraft and without having to deprive myself too much. I did sometimes walk home to Tetley Hall to save the 30p which I then reinvested at the bookies. Beer was 50p a pint in the Union’s Tetley’s Bar, and it was easy enough to find a place in the budget for a fair supply of that."
In 1990 the Student Loans Company was founded to provide students with additional help towards living costs in the form of low-interest loans. In its first year, they gave loans to 180,200 students, a take up rate of 28% of eligible students. The average loan value was £390.
1994
Katharine Salmon (French and Italian 1995; MA 1997)
I had my essential living expenses covered
"I was lucky; when I applied, I was given a grant, which made all the difference to me. It covered fees, accommodation and most essential living expenses. I even got an extra grant to help with my term abroad in Italy."
In 1998, it was decided that students should contribute towards the cost of university education. The Labour government passed the Teaching and Higher Education Act 1998 which introduced tuition fees of £1,000 per academic year.
In addition, maintenance grants were replaced with repayable student loans from the Student Loans Company.
The total loans provided by the Student Loans Company increased from £941 million in the 1997-1998 academic year, to £1.23 billion in the next year when tuition fees took effect.
2004
Matthew Ball (MMath Mathematics 2004)
Careful budgeting was key
"Funding was a pretty tight combination of student loans and savings from working in the previous summer (which typically lasted for the first term). I was fortunate not to have to work during term itself, but that made the summer important to clear the overdraft and have some cash available for the next academic year.
"At that time it was relatively easy to get summer placements on an ad-hoc basis as the market was very good in the run up to 2004, which with hindsight was fortuitous."
Following the Higher Education Act of 2004, students had to contribute up to £3,000 a year towards their tuition fees.
In 2012, universities were allowed to charge up to £9,000 a year for tuition fees for post 2012 students. Almost all charged the top level.
2014
Beth Whitaker (Graphic and Communication Design (Industry) 2015)
I was relieved to be in the final cohort
"I must have been among one of the last cohorts before tuition fees went to £9,000, and I was really relieved about that.
"Alongside the maintenance loan, I received financial support from my parents and worked part time throughout my studies in order to get by. I turned down a placement year at IBM in London because it was more financially viable for me to take a role at Leeds and live at home."
In 2017 all remaining student grants were abolished. The University of Leeds continued to provide a non-repayable financial support of up to £2,000 per year to students, with eligibility linked to annual household income.
2024
The cost of living crisis presented a huge challenge to those attending university - particularly those from less advantaged backgrounds. A planned 2.5% increase in the annual maintenance loan from September 2024 represents another successive year of real term cuts for students and on graduation, student debt is higher than it has ever been.
Charlotte Lister (MA Religion, first year student)
We have restricted the use of heating
"I've been hit by the cost of living crisis. I use scholarship money towards the household bills and weekly shop. We have restricted the use of heating in our home over winter as well as hot water in order to curb the costs.
"However, the increase in food costs has hurt the most. I love fruit but the prices of some fruits has increased so rapidly, I would not be able to buy them if it weren't for the scholarship and the extra layer of financial security it provides."
Louise Banahene MBE, Director of Educational Engagement and Student Success, explains more about current financial strains upon Leeds students.
Discover how you are helping the University to support those students hardest hit, ensuring they have the opportunity to thrive.
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