What are the benefits of studying at a university?
In general, it’s easier to find a job if you have a university degree. You can also benefit in areas such as salary and personal development.
It’s hard to say if you’ll make more money if you decide to pursue university studies as there are many other factors at play. Some jobs require quite a few years of study, but don’t offer a high salary. Looking at the averages, however, it becomes clear that a university education is beneficial.
Average salary
In 2019, the average monthly salary was 35,300 SEK. The average for men was 37,200, while the average for women was 33,500, according to SCB (Statistics Sweden).
In the following table, you can find the average monthly salary for different educational levels. Source: SCB’s statistics for 2019.
| Educational level | Women | Men |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-upper secondary school, shorter than 9 years | 24,700 | 26,700 |
| Pre-upper secondary school, 9 (10) years | 26,800 | 31,000 |
| Upper secondary education, not more than 2 years | 29,500 | 33,800 |
| Upper secondary education, 3 years | 29,100 | 33,100 |
| Higher education degree (bachelor’s), less than 3 years | 33,400 | 38,900 |
| Higher education degree (master’s), 3 years or more | 39,500 | 47,100 |
| Doctoral degree | 51,600 | 57,400 |
Easier to get a job with a university education
Looking at the big picture, it’s easier to get a job if you have a higher education degree. Many careers that require a degree also pay a better salary. This can vary depending on the degree subject, but more doors will be open to you with a degree than without one.
The function ”Hitta och jämför utbildning” – find and compare courses and programmes – can be found at the Swedish version of Studera.nu. You can find out more about the job market for different professions. Ask a guidance counsellor or a friend to help you with the Swedish.
Go to Hitta och jämför utbildning
Other factors
There are other reasons other than economic for studying at the higher education level. For example, in addition to facts about a subject you can learn:
- how to on your own discover and apply new knowledge
- how to understand complex contexts and solve problems
- to develop critical thinking and questioning
- something new in the subject area