More Americans Losing Confidence in College Education, Poll Finds

Americans are questioning the worth and purpose of a college education, according to a new Gallup poll. A majority of people now say higher education is “headed in the wrong direction.”

Gallup first polled on the issue in 2015. That year, 57% of Americans said they had a “great deal” or a “lot” of confidence in college education. Only 10% had little or none. But the new Gallup poll, released this month, shows that 32% now have little or no confidence. By the same token, 36% now have a "great deal" or a "lot" of confidence.

Enrollment at US colleges has fallen. Gallup’s findings may help explain that trend.  Colleges are dealing with a number of issues. Millions of graduates are in loan debt. Many people worry over rising costs. Colleges have also come under attack over how hot-button topics like race are being taught.

Other surveys show that people in the US are asking whether college truly leads to a well-paying job. The Pew Research Center conducted a survey in March. It found only 1 in 4 people think it’s necessary to have a college degree to get a well-paying job. Pew did find that job opportunities for young men without college degrees have improved over the past 10 years.

“It's so expensive, and I don't think colleges are teaching people what they need to get a job,” Randy Hill, 59, told CBS News. Hill is a driver for a car service in Connecticut. He is a Republican. Gallup found a split along party lines. More Republicans like Hill question the worth of college, Gallup found.

Despite these views, data continues to show that college educations have value. People with college degrees still earn far more over a lifetime than people without them.

Reflect: What factors do you think are most important when deciding whether or not to go to college?