Changing Perceptions of Higher Education

Over the last twenty years, the public’s attitude toward higher education has shifted significantly. According to a recent Fox News poll, there’s now a growing skepticism about the value of a college degree.

Back in 2006, a substantial majority believed it was worthwhile to invest money for college tuition instead of jumping straight into a job—65% said as much. Moreover, 84% thought a college education was more crucial for success than it was 25 years prior.

Fast forward to today, and those opinions have shifted. Now, two-thirds (around 65%) of respondents think that prospective university students should prioritize jobs over degree programs. Additionally, more than 60% feel that a college education is less important for success than it used to be.

The divide is stark. Twenty years ago, voters were almost evenly split on the necessity of obtaining a degree at any cost (46% in favor, 49% opposed). Today, a whopping three-quarters believe that pursuing a degree is not worth it at all (only 27% support it).

This change is evident across different demographics. Previously, there was consensus among groups such as voters under 30, those over 65, college graduates, and non-graduates—all believing college was a valuable investment. However, that rare unity has now given way to differing views.

Interestingly, if parents were to advise high school students today, many would suggest skipping college in favor of direct investment opportunities, reflecting a broader belief that degrees are less essential for future success.

Amidst this shift, some confidence in higher education lingers. A majority still believes their institutions offer quality education (72% confident), uphold free speech (63%), ensure fairness in learning (62%), respect diverse political views (60%), and prepare students for jobs (58%).

However, the same voters express notable doubts about universities’ financial priorities. Less than half (45%) believe schools put student interests first, making this the only aspect where confidence falls below a majority level.

Demographic differences emerge as well. Younger voters (54%) are generally more convinced that colleges care about students over profits than those aged 65 and older (38%). Additionally, Black and Hispanic voters (61% each) are more inclined than white voters (41%) to say that students take precedence over financial gains—along with Democrats (50%) and independents (50%) as compared to Republicans (39%). Even among parents, 52% prioritize students, while 43% of non-parents feel the same way.

Republicans, though, express the most skepticism overall. Their confidence in higher education’s ability to deliver quality education (62%) or uphold free speech (54%) is notably lower than that of Democrats and independents. Majorities within those groups hold more affirmative views—81% of Democrats believe in the quality of education provided, and 71% of independents agree.

“Both parties contain well-educated voters, but dissatisfaction is particularly pronounced among Republicans,” says Daron Shaw, a Republican pollster involved in conducting the Fox News poll. “There’s a sentiment that not only are universities too expensive, but they’re also influenced heavily by progressive ideology.”