• Illawarra will be 'especially disadvantaged'

With three daughters set on going to university, West Wollongong parents Heidi and Paul Naulty are concerned about changes that may send course costs sky high.

The issue of fee deregulation is an unwelcome distraction for their eldest, 18-year-old Maddison, in her last year of schooling.

"I want to get into medical and health sciences at the University of Wollongong and am hoping that my degree will lead into medicine," she said.

"So I'll end up doing about seven years at uni - I'm a bit worried I'll have a debt the size of a mortgage by then."

For year 11 student Georgia, the prospect of higher fees at Australian universities is making her think seriously about studying overseas.

"I want to do a degree in media and communications and international studies - a double degree, which could cost me a lot here," she said.

Even 11-year-old Charlotte - who wants to be a vet - is thinking about her future, according to her mother.

"I think university would start to become out of reach for most people if not for the student loan system, so as long as that stays it's still doable," Mrs Naulty said.

"I know these girls will be determined to go to uni regardless of how much it costs - that said, we are worried about the debts they will have at the end of their courses."

For Mr and Mrs Naulty, who did not attend university, seeing their girls obtain degrees would be wonderful.

"We will be very proud to see them go to university," Mrs Naulty said. "They are all conscientious girls who are very focused on their future, which makes us very proud."

However, Mrs Naulty said it was up to the girls - and other young people - to think even more carefully about their career choices.

"I think young people more than ever will need to choose their courses carefully to ensure they come out with a qualification that will set them on a decent career path - which will justify the cost of their education," she said.

Mr Naulty said he was concerned that education was becoming a commodity.

"It's just being treated like a business, a money-making exercise, rather than something which should be accessible to all."