Shift in American Attitudes Towards College Education

The percentage of Americans who view a college education as “very important” has dropped significantly, reaching an all-time low, according to a new Gallup poll.

Currently, only 30% of Americans consider obtaining a college degree to be “very important.” This marks a stark contrast to previous years, as Gallup has been tracking this sentiment since 1978, noting a decline across various demographics.

The decline in confidence regarding higher education began around 2013, when 70% of respondents viewed college as important. In stark comparison, just 31% of those surveyed today share that belief. This figure represents a four-point decrease from last year.

Additionally, in 2013, only about 6% of participants thought a college education was “not too important.” That number has now risen dramatically to 29%.

This pattern of diminished trust in college education spans all demographic groups. Gallup pointed out that even segments historically more favorable towards college have noted significant drops in their perceptions.

In 2019, majorities among women, older adults, Democrats, and people of color believed that college was very important. While these groups still tend to value a college education more than others, each has experienced a decline of at least ten percentage points, according to Gallup.

“Americans have increasingly questioned the importance of a college education over the past 13 years,” the firm observed. They highlighted that the belief in its significance has plummeted to just 31%, with almost the same level of people thinking it’s not very important. This ongoing decline touches on major demographic segments, even though certain groups, like women and college graduates, are somewhat more inclined than others to view college as important.

One possible reason behind this sharp downturn since 2013 is the soaring costs associated with higher education, Gallup suggests. In a separate survey, they found that only 12% of respondents believe a college degree is financially accessible.

A previous Gallup poll conducted earlier this year also reflected similar sentiments regarding confidence in higher education. In July, the poll revealed that only 38% of Americans expressed a “great deal” or “quite a lot” of confidence in colleges and universities, a decrease from the 42% recorded the previous year.

Notably, despite these trends, most parents still aspire for their children to pursue a college degree right after high school.