As the cost of higher education continues to soar, a significant number of Americans are questioning the value of a four-year college degree.
A recent poll reveals that over six in ten registered voters believe that the cost of a degree is not justified, marking a significant shift in public opinion over the past decade.
According to a poll released by NBC News and conducted by Hart Research Associates and Public Opinion Strategies, only about 33% of respondents believe a four-year degree is worth the cost, arguing that it offers a better chance of securing a good job and earning more money over a lifetime. However, a staggering 63% disagree, stating that many graduates lack specific job skills and are burdened with substantial debt.
The poll's findings indicate a significant shift in public sentiment over the past 12 years. In 2013, 53% of registered voters believed that a college degree was worth the cost, while 40% disagreed. By 2017, support had dropped to 49%, with 47% arguing that the high tuition fees did not justify the benefits.
Jeff Horwitt, a Democratic pollster involved in the poll's conduction, noted that this shift in opinion is not limited to those without a four-year degree. From 2013 to 2025, Americans across the board have increasingly questioned the value of a college degree.
Despite a slight decrease in tuition fees over the past decade, the cost of higher education remains prohibitive for many. When adjusted for inflation, the average cost of public four-year college tuition for in-state students has doubled since 1995, according to data from the College Board. Private four-year colleges have seen a 75% increase in tuition over the past 30 years.
The poll also revealed a decline in the number of college graduates who believe their education was worth the cost. In 2013, 63% of graduates believed their degree was worth the investment. Today, that number has dropped to 46%. Among those without degrees, 71% now believe a four-year degree is not worth it, a significant increase from 2013 when opinions were evenly split.
However, the poll did highlight a growing interest in technical and two-year degree programs. These programs offer a more affordable education and a quicker entry into the workforce, making them an increasingly attractive option for young adults.
The shift in opinion was most pronounced among Republicans. In 2013, 55% of Republicans believed a degree was worth the cost, compared to 38% who disagreed. By 2025, only 22% of Republicans still believed in the value of a college degree, with 74% arguing against it.
Democrats also reported a decline in the belief in the value of a degree. In 2013, 61% of registered Democratic voters believed four-year degrees were worth the investment. This figure dropped to 52% in 2017 and is now at 47%, with a slight majority of Democrats arguing that the cost of education is not worth it.
Independent voters have also experienced a shift in opinion. In 2013, 43% of independents believed four-year degrees were worth the cost. This figure rose to 54% in 2017, only to drop dramatically by 2025, with only 32% of independents now believing a degree is worth the cost and 62% arguing against it.
Over the past decade, Republicans have gained more support from voters without college degrees, while Democrats have attracted more voters with degrees. This shift in political support mirrors the decline in public confidence in higher education over the past decade.
The poll's findings underscore the need for a reassessment of the value and cost of higher education in America. As the cost of tuition continues to rise, more Americans are questioning the return on investment of a four-year degree. This shift in public sentiment could have significant implications for the future of higher education and the workforce in the United States.
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