Most Americans Believe U.S. Higher Education Is Heading in the Wrong Direction
Seven in ten Americans now believe U.S. higher education is moving in the wrong direction. This marks a big jump from 56% in 2020, according to a new Pew Research Center survey.
The survey of over 3,400 adults reveals deep concerns about rising tuition, job readiness, and limited campus dialogue. Many also feel colleges are failing to meet students’ mental health and financial needs.
Growing Dissatisfaction Across Groups
Seven in ten Americans now believe U.S. higher education is moving in the wrong direction. This marks a big jump from 56% in 2020, according to a new Pew Research Center survey.
The survey of over 3,400 adults reveals deep concerns about rising tuition, job readiness, and limited campus dialogue. Many also feel colleges are failing to meet students’ mental health and financial needs.
Growing Dissatisfaction Across Groups
Interestingly, people with four-year college degrees are slightly more likely to say higher education is off track than those without one (74% vs. 69%).
Political views also shape perceptions. About 77% of Republicans and Republican-leaning independents think the system is going in the wrong direction. Among Democrats and Democratic-leaning adults, 65% share this concern. Both groups have grown more negative since 2020, narrowing the partisan gap.
Low Ratings on Key Performance Areas
Americans gave colleges poor marks in several areas. Around 79% say universities are failing to keep tuition affordable. More than half believe they are not doing enough to prepare students for well-paying jobs or provide adequate financial aid.
Nearly half also think universities fall short in encouraging free speech and exposing students to diverse viewpoints. Mental health support is another weak spot, with 46% calling efforts fair or poor.
However, not all is bleak. About one in four adults say higher education still performs well in advancing research and innovation.
As the debate continues, these findings highlight a growing desire for reform—and a demand for accountability from U.S. colleges and universities.
Growing Dissatisfaction Across Groups
Interestingly, people with four-year college degrees are slightly more likely to say higher education is off track than those without one (74% vs. 69%).
Political views also shape perceptions. About 77% of Republicans and Republican-leaning independents think the system is going in the wrong direction. Among Democrats and Democratic-leaning adults, 65% share this concern. Both groups have grown more negative since 2020, narrowing the partisan gap.
Low Ratings on Key Performance Areas
Americans gave colleges poor marks in several areas. Around 79% say universities are failing to keep tuition affordable. More than half believe they are not doing enough to prepare students for well-paying jobs or provide adequate financial aid.
Nearly half also think universities fall short in encouraging free speech and exposing students to diverse viewpoints. Mental health support is another weak spot, with 46% calling efforts fair or poor.
However, not all is bleak. About one in four adults say higher education still performs well in advancing research and innovation.
As the debate continues, these findings highlight a growing desire for reform—and a demand for accountability from U.S. colleges and universities
Low Ratings on Key Performance Areas
Americans gave colleges poor marks in several areas. Around 79% say universities are failing to keep tuition affordable. More than half believe they are not doing enough to prepare students for well-paying jobs or provide adequate financial aid.
Nearly half also think universities fall short in encouraging free speech and exposing students to diverse viewpoints. Mental health support is another weak spot, with 46% calling efforts fair or poor.
However, not all is bleak. About one in four adults say higher education still performs well in advancing research and innovation.
As the debate continues, these findings highlight a growing desire for reform—and a demand for accountability from U.S. colleges and universities.
