Bradford scores national double for student affordability
Bradford has achieved a national double for student affordability, with new data revealing the University of Bradford offers the UK’s best value halls of residence while the city itself has been ranked the most affordable place in the country to study.
The city’s University has the UK’s cheapest accommodation, with an average cost of £97.75 a week, compared to an average weekly cost of £192.02 for UK student accommodation, according to analysis by digital banking firm Monzo.
In a separate study, Bradford has been ranked the most affordable student city in the UK for the second-year running, according to new data from StudentCrowd, offering welcome news for prospective students as the rising cost of living continues to shape university choices.
Best value halls
The Monzo study analysed accommodation options at 144 universities across the UK, alongside a survey of 1,000 students and recent graduates. The study showed that the average weekly cost was almost twice the average student’s accommodation budget.
The University of Bradford has been named as the best value for student halls of residence in the UK, according to new survey, while Bradford has been ranked as the most affordable student city. Images credit: University of Bradford
Most affordable city study
The national league table analysed student accommodation costs across nearly 80 UK locations and placed Bradford in first position. The findings highlight the city’s growing appeal to applicants who want to balance financial savvy with high‑quality university and city‑life experiences.
It also means Bradford is not only the UK’s most affordable city but among the top 20 universities for getting highly-skilled employment after graduation, according to recently released statistics.
Vice‑Chancellor Professor Nick Braisby said: “Being recognised as the UK’s most affordable student city is excellent news for anyone considering university in today’s economic climate. Students have to be financially aware, and affordability really matters. But value is about far more than cost – it’s about outcomes.
“We are a top 20 University for highly-skilled employment, reflecting the fact that our graduates go on to great careers because of the quality of our teaching, our industry connections and our commitment to ensuring that talent, not background, shapes someone’s future.”
The University of Bradford has been named as the best value for student halls of residence in the UK, according to new survey, while Bradford has been ranked as the most affordable student city. Images credit: University of Bradford
Not just a degree
The announcement comes at a milestone moment for the University of Bradford, which is celebrating its 60th anniversary year, rising steadily in national rankings and continuing major expansion in key areas such as artificial intelligence, data analytics and health sciences.
Meanwhile, Bradford’s 2025 UK City of Culture celebrations are set to continue across the district until 2027, after Bradford Culture Company Ltd (BCCL), the charity set up to deliver the year of events, received additional funding to create a ‘legacy programme’ – the University played a key role in the City of Culture bid and works closely with BCCL to create opportunities for students.
With the city’s recent £50 million city centre refurbishment and the opening of vibrant new offerings including Darley Street Market and Bradford Live entertainment venue, students arriving in 2026 will join a city undergoing one of the most ambitious regeneration programmes in the UK.
Academic strengths
Affordability is only one part of Bradford’s offer. The University continues to demonstrate strong value, with the latest HESA data confirming that 91% of graduates are in work or further study shortly after completion.
Academic strengths include cutting‑edge cancer research, the region’s leading nursing, midwifery and paramedic science programmes, and a rapidly developing presence in AI and data analytics. The University is also recognised nationally for its commitment to social inclusion, ensuring students from all backgrounds can thrive.
The University says the announcement reinforces Bradford’s position as one of the most attractive destinations for students looking for excellent outcomes, a supportive community, and a vibrant, fast‑changing city where opportunity is within reach for everyone.
The league table is compiled by StudentCrowd’s live accommodation data, which is based on an average of the minimum monthly price of student accommodation in all UK locations.
Paul Humphreys, StudentCrowd Founder and CEO, said: “For Bradford to top our cheapest cities rankings for the second year in a row shows just how strong the city’s offering is for students.
“Affordability plays a huge role in where students choose to study, and Bradford continues to stand out as a place where students can find accommodation with excellent value for money.”
Consistent affordability
The University was also ranked the UK’s most affordable by StudentCrowd in 2025. Bradford has consistently topped national surveys for its affordability, being ranked the UK’s most affordable city by Comparethemarket.com in 2021 and 2022, and being ranked among the UK’s most affordable cities by international students in 2024.