In 2012-13, the first year higher fees were charged, 18% got a first. Overall, 26% of graduates who completed their first undergraduate degree in the 2016-17 academic year achieved a first.
The data, published by HESA, also shows a hike in the proportion gaining an upper second (2:1) or above, with three in four (75%) making the grade.
This was up from just over two-thirds (68%) in 2012-13.
The figures show women were more likely to graduate with a first or upper second than men (77% compared with 72%).
Those who studied full time were also more likely to obtain one of these results, at 76%, compared with 54% of part-time students.
There were also regional differences, with 75% of students at English universities gaining a first or 2:1, 78% in Scotland, 71% in Wales and 76% in Northern Ireland.