What does Cardiff University cost your family?
What the student finance system assumes
The maintenance loan your child receives is means-tested against your household income. The lower their loan, the more the government assumes you will contribute — but this is an assumption, not a payment anyone makes to you.
The real monthly costs at Cardiff in Cardiff
Notable Cardiff alumni
Based on Cardiff halls, over three years your family could be contributing:
| Household income | Annual gap | Three-year total |
|---|---|---|
| £35,000 | +£2,112 surplus | +£6,336 surplus |
| £50,000 | −£1,236 | −£3,708 |
| £70,000 | −£2,892 | −£8,676 |
This does not include tuition fees (£9,535/year), covered by the tuition fee loan.
What Cardiff graduates earn
The average Cardiff graduate earns £26,000/year within 3 years of graduating. In Cardiff, entry-level roles typically start at £1,517/month take-home after tax.
Graduate employment rate: 88% within 15 months of graduation.
Full graduate salary data →Five things to sort before August
Work out your expected household income contribution — use the Student Finance England calculator
Review the cheapest halls options at Cardiff University
Understand the contract difference: halls are 40–51 weeks, private rentals are 12 months
Consider a buffer fund: £500–1,000 covers the gap between loan arrival and rent due
Have the conversation before August — results day is not the moment to work out the finances
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