Americans no longer see four-year college degrees as worth the cost

12 days ago

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Almost two-thirds of registered voters believe a four-year college degree isn’t worth the cost, a significant decline from previous years.
In 2017, opinions were split nearly evenly (49% worth it vs. 47% not), but now only 33% see value in a degree due to job prospects, while 63% cite debt and lack of job skills.
College tuition costs have risen sharply—public in-state tuition doubled since 1995, and private tuition increased by 75%, adjusted for inflation.
Republicans show the steepest decline in belief in the value of a degree (55% in 2013 to 22% now), while Democrats also shifted (61% to 47%).
Even among degree-holders, less than half (46%) now see college as worth the cost, down from 63% in 2013.
Many millennials face overwhelming student debt, influencing skepticism about higher education’s affordability and value.
Interest in vocational and two-year programs is rising as alternatives to traditional four-year degrees.
Public confidence in higher education has declined, with colleges seen as out of touch due to affordability issues.

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