More than half of university graduates in the United Kingdom earn below the average wage five years after completing their degrees, according to new research highlighting concerns about the financial returns of higher education.

The findings indicate that over 150,000 graduates annually struggle to reach the median full-time worker's salary of £35,000 in the UK, raising questions about the economic value of university education for many students.

The data comes amid broader discussions about youth employment and education outcomes across Europe. The Netherlands, by contrast, maintains one of the world's lowest rates of 16 to 24-year-olds not engaged in education, employment, or training, suggesting different approaches to youth development and career preparation.

The UK findings have sparked debate about what critics describe as 'debt trap degrees' - university programs that leave graduates with significant student loan obligations but limited earning potential in their chosen fields.

The research highlights the varying financial outcomes for different degree programs and institutions, with some graduates experiencing significantly better employment prospects and salary outcomes than others.

These employment and earnings patterns reflect broader challenges in the transition from education to career-level employment, affecting both individual graduates and the wider economy's utilization of skilled workers.