July 9th, 2024

Is college worth it? Poll finds only 36% in US have confidence in higher ed

A Gallup and Lumina Foundation poll shows only 36% of Americans trust higher education, down from 57% in 2015. Concerns include cost, value, quality, and political bias. Experts warn of potential labor shortages and reduced earnings.

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Is college worth it? Poll finds only 36% in US have confidence in higher ed

A recent poll conducted by Gallup and the Lumina Foundation revealed that only 36% of Americans have confidence in higher education, marking a decline from 57% in 2015. This skepticism is fueled by concerns over the value and cost of college, with many feeling that the system is moving in the wrong direction. The sentiment is shared across demographics, including political affiliations. Reasons cited for the lack of confidence include the high cost of tuition, doubts about the quality of education, and concerns about political bias on campuses. The survey also highlighted a shift towards more negative views, with almost as many people expressing little to no confidence as those with high confidence. Experts warn that this trend could exacerbate labor shortages and lead to lower lifetime earnings for those without degrees. Despite the skepticism, some individuals still see higher education as a valuable tool for personal growth and societal change.

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Link Icon 3 comments
By @mmaniac - 5 months
I'd be interested to see what college graduates have to say about the value of their experience on reflection. My degree is merely a checkbox I can add to my CV. If it weren't something employers look for then I wouldn't have bothered because the studies themselves didn't add much value to my life.

I'm fortunate enough to not be saddled with student debt - if I was, maybe I would have reconsidered.

By @fjdl4738 - 5 months
what i found out recently is that even if you do not care about college the only practical place to do science is phd labs