One in 50 UK graduate millionaires studied with the OU

The OU has been ranked 10th in a list of UK universities with graduate millionaires. Oxford took the top spot, followed by the University of London and Cambridge in third place.

According to the Skandia Millionaire Monitor (published Spring 2012), 1.9 per cent of all UK-based millionaires have Open University degrees. The survey reported on the lifestyle and attitudes of millionaires in six countries: the UK, France, Italy, Hong Kong, Sinagpore and Dubai.

In the UK, three quarters earned their wealth through employment, with 15 per cent achieving it through their own business. The Open University and the University of Bristol (ninth place) had the highest number of millionaire graduates from state schools (around 90 per cent).

Lucian Hudson, Director of Communications at the OU, said: “This is a fresh twist in our drive to provide educational opportunity and social justice! It shows how education truly helps people achieve their career aspirations, whether they are employed or using their skills to run their own businesses.

“Many people, who did not think university was an option for them, have changed their lives through higher education. 18,000 students access education through our targeted access, taster, and Openings programmes, and we further inspire people through our free online learning materials on OpenLearn and our partnership with the BBC.”

The Open University is a world leader in distance learning and a pioneer of teaching and learning methods which enable people to achieve their goals through flexible study that fits around work, family and social commitments.