STUDENTS from disadvantaged families are more likely to drop out of university because of debt and money worries than their peers.

That is the conclusion of new research published today by the York-based Joseph Rowntree Foundation.

The study of more than 300 students from deprived neighbourhoods found they were more likely to leave college prematurely - and key factors in their decisions were money problems and fear of debt.

Other issues included feelings of social isolation, with students saying they had difficulties fitting in because of a culture clash between university and their home life.

The findings were backed today by York University Students' Union President Tom Connor, who fears the problems will worsen for students if universities such as York introduce tuition fees of £3,000, as would be permitted under current Whitehall proposals.

He said York's students were overwhelmingly white and middle class, but those who were not could also experience feelings of social isolation as well as debt problems.

The report's publication comes only days after the debate on the spiralling costs of going to university was stoked up by Tory promises to scrap tuition fees if they win the next election.

The proposal has been seen as a potential vote winner for the Conservatives among both young people and the parents of prospective university students. It has also been seen as strengthening the hand of Labour MPs opposing increases in tuition fees.

The report, by Alasdair Forsyth and Professor Andy Furlong, of the University of Glasgow, said young people from deprived backgrounds were often the first in their families to enter university, and were unfamiliar with higher education.

Their worries about debt were often compounded by lack of confidence about academic success and the chances of finding a sufficiently well-paid job.

"Our work confirms that disadvantaged young people are not enjoying as great a level of success in higher education as their peers," said Alasdair Forsyth.

He said many were deterred by fear of debt from entering university in the first place. But those who made it were more likely to quit before reaching their academic potential.

He said non-repayable bursaries would enable more such students to complete their degrees.

Updated: 09:16 Friday, May 16, 2003