AS fears grow over spiralling student debt youngsters are increasingly opting to complete their degrees closer to home, University Campus Suffolk (UCS) bosses said today.

AS fears grow over spiralling student debt youngsters are increasingly opting to complete their degrees closer to home, University Campus Suffolk (UCS) bosses said today.

UCS has received a flood of applications from students enquiring about courses following the release of yesterday's record-breaking A Level results.

And many are from teenagers from Suffolk, who are concerned about the prospect of finishing their studies with the shadow of major debt looming over them.

Reports from student groups suggest that graduates who finish university in three years' time will be saddled with a debt in excess of £20,000.

UCS marketing officer Claire Marrington said: “It's been very busy, busier than this time last year.

“The enquiries have been from a range of people but we have had quite a lot of interest from those already living in Suffolk, and that's partly due to the current economic climate.

“They can save money by studying while living at home and that's a definite appeal to students.”

She said the UCS team dedicated to answering calls had been inundated since early yesterday when A Level students received their results.

UCS students will this year have the use of the new £20 million landmark waterfront building, which is due to be formerly opened before the September term begins.

Miss Marrington said: “The building has been a big appeal to students.

“When people see it they are very impressed.”

To call the UCS clearing hotline, telephone 01473 234740 or visit www.ucs.ac.uk

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