Aston among top performers for graduate employability in Daily Mail University Guide 2026
Aston University has been celebrated in the Daily Mail University Guide 2026 for its focus on employability, ranking among the top 20 universities in the UK for high-skilled jobs and the top quartile for graduate salaries.
These achievements highlight Aston’s commitment to preparing students for successful careers and delivering real-world impact.
The university also ranked 22nd in the UK for students feeling their career is on track, a result that builds on its 11th place ranking for careers services in the StudentCrowd University Awards recently.
This recognition reflects the transformative combination of both an Aston education and an award-winning careers and placements team, which is dedicated to guiding and empowering students for up to three years after graduation.
In the guide, the Daily Mail highlighted Aston Power Skills. This innovative initiative will be embedded into every undergraduate degree from September, covering AI & digital, innovation & entrepreneurship, environmental sustainability, and inclusive leadership.
Aston was also praised for being one of a small number of universities to have secured the triple gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework, which recognises excellence in student experience, graduate outcomes, and overall performance.
In addition, Aston was also named a top university for first-generation students, placing 26th nationally. This achievement underscores the University’s dedication to social mobility – for which it is second in the country (HEPI 2024) – and its ability to empower students from all backgrounds to achieve their ambitions.
Biomedicine (10th), Economics (13th), and Politics (13th) were ranked as top subjects for Aston in the UK while, regionally, the university was ranked third in the West Midlands overall, further cementing its role as a key driver of talent, innovation, and economic growth.
Professor Aleks Subic, vice-chancellor and chief executive of Aston University, said: "At Aston University, we are shaping the future through a transformative educational experience that prepares graduates to lead, innovate, and make a difference.
“Our focus on employability, social mobility, and collaborating with industry partners ensures that our graduates are not only ready to succeed but also to make a meaningful contribution to society and the economy.”
Aston’s performance in the Daily Mail University Guide 2026 builds on its long-standing reputation for combining academic excellence with practical, real-world learning. With initiatives like Aston Power Skills and guaranteed internships for master’s students, the university continues to lead the way in helping graduates get ahead in a fast-changing world.
