Declining perceived importance of US college education

Recent Gallup polling indicates a significant decline in the perceived value of higher education among Americans. Data shows that only 31% of adults now consider attending college ‘very important’ for success, a record low that falls below the 1978 baseline of 36%. This is a sharp decrease from 2013, when 70% of respondents held that view.

As the percentage of those viewing college as ‘very important’ has dropped, the number of people who consider it ‘not too important’ has risen to 29%, up from 6% in 2013. This shift has narrowed the gap between these two viewpoints from 64 points in 2013 to just two points in 2026.

The decline is observed across various demographics. While Democrats (40%) are more likely to view college as ‘very important’ than Republicans (22%) or Independents (34%), the share of people holding this view has fallen below 50% for women, Republicans, and non-college graduates. Potential contributing factors include rising costs, with one survey noting that only 12% of adults find a four-year degree affordable.