This paper details a case study undertaken in 2011 which examined a small group of female students', and their parents', perceptions of the purpose of a university education. The research is underpinned by a review of the literature examining the views held by academics and politicians as to the benefits of higher education and of research in the field of student choices, as related to habitus and their familial experience of higher education. Data collection involved the use of mixed methods to investigate perceptions and expectations about higher education on arrival at university and whether for a small sample of postgraduate respondents, these perceptions had changed over time. The findings showed that initially there is a belief that higher education is primarily a route to economic gain but, three years after graduation, the respondents consider their time spent at the university--primarily--as a period of personal growth and fulfilment.