I think its still true that your earning potential is higher with a degree but stats dont really mean much to the individual.

I was lucky doing a degree in Wales for 1/2 price when it was 3k per year.

I did History and graduated with 2:1 - worked in a restaurant, volunteered for the Big Issue, worked in their office for 3 years, then became a support worker for 3 years then transferred to their communications team.

I call history the best degree that doesnt lead anywhere, so many people seem to lack critical thinking these days and thats one thing the degree batters into you. Plus nothing is new, people are people and everything has happened before, easy to learn from.