Research and analysis

Wider benefits of higher education: literature review

Evidence from academic and policy literature on the wider benefits of higher education to individuals and society. BIS research paper 133.

• From: Department for Business, Innovation & Skills
• Published: 21 October 2013

Documents

Things we know and don't know about higher education: a review of recent literature

Ref: BIS/13/1244

PDF, 506 KB, 76 pages

Details

This literature review looks at the evidence on the wider non-economic benefits of higher education for students. It also looks at the impact, through graduates and knowledge transfer, on society as a whole.

The evidence shows that higher levels of education are linked to a range of positive social, well-being and cultural benefits for the individual, their families and society. The review recommends further research to better understand how the impact of higher education occurs.

Published 21 October 2013