Is a Mathematics degree worth it for this?

On median DfE LEO earnings a Mathematics degree overtakes the no-degree alternative after 12 yrs post-grad, and you repay £105,208 over the life of the loan.

Career route

Do you need a degree to be a actuary?

Q: Do you need a degree to be a actuary?

Usually, but there are other routes. Qualification is by professional exams. Most entrants are graduates, but an actuarial apprenticeship exists.

Usually, but there are other routes

Qualification is by professional exams. Most entrants are graduates, but an actuarial apprenticeship exists.

The official route in

The National Careers Service publishes the entry routes for this job — apprenticeship, college, university and direct application — with the GCSE and A-level requirements for each. It is the authoritative source, and worth reading before committing to anything.

How to become a actuary

National Careers Service — routes and requirements

Find an apprenticeship

GOV.UK — live vacancies

If you do take the degree route

The closest subject is Mathematics. On current fees and median graduate earnings, here is what it costs and how long it takes to pay for itself against not going at all.

Worth it after

12 yrs post-grad

Borrowed

£53,370

You will repay

£105,208

Starting salary

£29,900

Full Mathematics report

30-year projection, AI risk, adjust your own costs

Mathematics vs Software Engineering

Side-by-side comparison

The short answer is our reading of the entry routes, written conservatively — where a non-degree path exists at all, we say so. The National Careers Service profile is the authoritative source and should be your check before deciding. Actuary earnings shown here are for Mathematics graduates, not for this job specifically.