People Are Not Into U. Down on college

By the Editorial Team · Monday, October 5, 2026

A recent Gallup poll found that only 31% of Americans now consider attending college “very important” for success, the lowest level recorded since 1978. This decline reflects growing concerns about college affordability and is seen across all political groups, though a majority of parents still want their children to pursue higher education.

A recent Gallup poll reveals a significant decline in the number of Americans who view college education as essential for success. Only 31% of respondents said that attending college after high school is “very important,” marking the lowest level recorded since Gallup began asking the question in 1978. This figure represents a sharp drop from 2013, when 70% of Americans regarded postsecondary education as crucial.

While outright rejection of higher education is not widespread, the poll found that 39% of Americans believe attending college is “fairly important.” The trend of diminishing enthusiasm for college spans political affiliations. Democrats, Republicans, and independents alike are less likely than in 2019 to consider college “very important.” Still, the survey showed Democrats place greater importance on higher education, with roughly 40% rating it “very important,” compared to 22% of Republicans and 34% of independents.

The survey, conducted by phone from August 3 to August 24 among 1,200 U.S. adults, carries a margin of error of plus or minus 4%. Analysts suggest that growing concerns over the cost of higher education may be driving the decline in perceived value. A separate Lumina Foundation-Gallup survey released in June found that only 12% of adults believe a four-year college degree is affordable.

Despite these concerns, a different Gallup survey indicates that many parents still prioritize college enrollment for their children. Approximately 59% of parents said they want their child to attend a two- or four-year college immediately after high school.

The evolving perceptions of college’s importance underscore ongoing debates about the affordability and accessibility of higher education in the United States.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.