A recent statewide survey indicates a declining interest among Massachusetts families in four-year college degrees for their children, highlighting growing skepticism about the value and affordability of traditional higher education. The poll, conducted in early April 2026 by the MassINC Polling Group on behalf of Edtrust Massachusetts, found that just 45 percent of parents with middle and high school students expect their child to pursue a bachelor’s degree. This marks a significant decrease from 53 percent in 2023 and 48 percent in 2025, representing the lowest level of interest recorded in at least three years.

The survey underscores a shifting perspective on post-secondary education in Massachusetts, a state known for its highly educated workforce and numerous colleges and universities. Edtrust Massachusetts cautions that this trend could have substantial implications if not addressed, particularly as the state considers adjustments to K-12 graduation requirements and explores new education funding strategies.

The poll, which surveyed 1,069 parents across the state from April 1 to April 14, revealed pronounced disparities in college expectations driven by family income, race, and parental education. Among households earning less than $50,000 annually, only 10 percent anticipate their child will earn a four-year degree, while 27 percent expect their child to enroll in a trade or vocational program. Conversely, 66 percent of parents from higher-income families foresee their child attaining a bachelor’s degree.

Racial differences in expectations were also significant. Seventy-one percent of Asian parents reported expecting their child to complete a bachelor’s degree, compared with 46 percent of white parents, 40 percent of Black parents, and 29 percent of Latino parents. Parental education emerged as another key factor; only 23 percent of parents without a bachelor’s degree expect their children to obtain one, while 65 percent of parents holding at least a bachelor's have the same expectation for their children.

The survey further found mixed confidence levels among parents regarding their children’s readiness for life after high school. Overall, 69 percent believed their schools provide adequate preparation, though this confidence notably declined among Black and Latino families and those from lower-income households.

Edtrust Massachusetts emphasized that the findings highlight the need for improved equity in college and career advising, access to financial aid, and advanced learning opportunities to ensure diverse post-secondary options remain attainable. This concern comes amid evolving educational policies, expanded access to early college programs and free community college, and the increasing influence of artificial intelligence on economic and workforce dynamics in the state.