How your fees are spent
Investing in your experience
We believe that transparency is the foundation of a strong academic community
We understand that your tuition fees are a significant investment in your future, and you deserve to know exactly how those funds are being used to enhance your university experience.
We are committed to investing in a positive environment for learning, research, and personal growth. From maintaining our facilities to providing comprehensive student support services, your tuition powers the heart of our institution.
The following breakdown illustrates how tuition fees and other income sources are allocated across the university.
How are universities governed?
Universities operate under a set of financial regulations designed to ensure that the institution:
- remains financially viable and sustainable
- maintains effective financial controls over the use of public and other funds
- complies with all relevant legislation
- protects and safeguards its assets
- delivers value for money
Our financial regulations provide the framework needed for a robust and reliable system of internal control. These regulations are designed to ensure that the responsibilities listed above are upheld through a set of management controls that enable the University to conduct its activities efficiently and responsibly.
What income do we generate and what does the money get spent on?
Like most universities that receive public funding, the University of Chichester is a charity and raises income from a wide range of sources.
In addition to tuition fee income, which makes up 70% of our total income (UG & PG), we receive income from government funding, research partners, catering and student accommodation.
Our income is used to support the delivery of high-quality, personalised and aspirational teaching in a learning environment that supports the student experience. It also supports our day-to-day activities, including student services, library, student accommodation, dance and music studios, labs and sports facilities, as well as research and enterprise activities.
Breakdown of all income received in 2024/25
Undergraduate Student Fees (63.65%)
£42,292,000
Other Student Fees (6.48%)
including postgraduate and further education
£4,309,000
Government Grants (5.63%)
£3,739,000
Research – Other Sources (0.34%)
£227,000
Other Income (23.90%)
including investment income, charitable donations, business activities, residence, catering and conferences
£15,879,000
Breakdown of total expenditure in 2024/25
Teaching and research (39.03%)
£25,095,000
Academic services (16.71%)
including IT, Library, Graduation, AQSS, Registry, Admissions
£10,743,000
Accommodation and conferences (13.65%)
£8,774,000
Maintaining campuses (12.88%)
£8,280,000
Running the university (9.57%)
administration and central services
£6,155,000
Staff and Student facilities (5.86%)
£3,769,000
Financial support to Students (0.85%)
£547,000
Other expenditure (1.46%)
£937,000
Source of information in the above data: tables 4, 6 and 8 of the Annual Finance Return.
Annual report
Our Annual Accounts provide important information about our financial performance for all stakeholders. They are independently audited to confirm that they present a true and fair view of our financial position.
These accounts are prepared in line with established guidelines and regulatory requirements.
Our accounts are finalised at the end of each financial year on 31 July, audited in October, and published annually in December.
For the full details behind the charts above, please see the financial statements in our Annual Report.
Why does the university make a surplus?
In 2024/25 our operating surplus was:
£2.1m
The university does not make a profit. Any surplus is reinvested into our university for the following reasons:
To maintain the financial sustainability of our activities
To support the ongoing replacement and refurbishment of our buildings and equipment
To provide the facilities necessary to support delivery of the academic strategy
To safeguard us from risks that may impact our financial health