It is perhaps unsurprising that adults with a degree receive a higher average wage than the rest of the British workforce, but recent research has revealed that there is also a difference between the salaries of Oxbridge graduates and those from other universities.

The study, conducted by the Sutton Trust, calls into question the blanket cost of most degrees compared to their value in later employment prospects.

The raw data indicates that the average student leaving Oxford and Cambridge will be earning £25,600 after six months, compared to £18,000 for those graduating from former polytechnics.

This discrepancy remains even after other factors such as background, schooling and previous academic achievement are accounted for, with estimates that just under £5,000 of the £7,600 difference is unrelated to social background.

However, Sutton Trust chairman Sir Peter Lampl points out that: “your chances of going to a top university [are] nearly 10 times higher if you come from a rich rather than a poor neighbourhood.” A study from the Social Market Foundation has demonstrated the private school students have much higher salary prospects.

Oxbridge continues to improve accessibility through schemes like CUSU Access and through individual colleges. But students from fee-paying schools still made up 39 per cent of undergraduates in the 2013 admissions cycle.

Added to this already substantial graduate pay gap are salary differences between subjects. While humanities and social science graduates from new universities reportedly earn less than £16,000 on graduation, Oxbridge economic and business graduates, as Britain’s highest earners, can expect double,with an average starting salary of £32,400.

Sir Lampl’s conclusion that “we need to look honestly at the extent to which some young people may be better earning and learning on good apprenticeships than on a degree course with poor prospects” finds support in the study. With current university graduates leaving with an average of £44,000 of debt, the value of an apprenticeship seems even greater in today’s highly-competitive job market.

Gordon Chesterman, Director of the Careers Service at  the University of Cambridge, claims “high salaries are not a main driver amongst our students.” He points out that “Intellectual Challenge”, “Contribution to Society” and “Peer group and colleagues” all rate higher as attributes sought out in careers by Cambridge students.

Chesterman detailed the work of the Careers Service to enhance students’ employment chances, especially those from less advantaged backgrounds. This includes an alumni network and £500 bursaries for unpaid internships.