In 1996/97, 2.8 million students were educated in universities and higher education colleges (including the Open University) at a total estimated cost (including student support) of £7.4 billion. It is planned to spend around £7.6 billion in the 1997-98 financial year.

Trends and Features
• Full-time student numbers increased by 71 per cent between 1989/90 and 1996/97.

• One in three (33 per cent) of young people now enter higher education compared with one in six (17 per cent) in 1989/90.

• Almost two thirds of higher education students are mature students. Indeed, the number of mature entrants now exceeds the number of 18 to 21 year olds starting in higher education.

• Part-timers comprise just over a third of all higher education students.

• Female students now account for over 50 per cent of all higher education students.

• Students from less affluent family backgrounds continue to be under-represented in higher education.