Findings

A majority of Americans (62 percent) agree that people can find lots of well-paying, stable jobs with only a high school diploma or GED. Compared to last year, the data this year show a higher number of people who believe in the availability of well-paying and stable jobs that do not require education after high school. In 2018, only about half agreed when asked if there are lots of well-paying jobs that do not require education after high school. While we cannot entirely explain the increase in the belief that there are well-paying jobs that do not require education after high school (which could be due to the new survey mode and the way the question was asked, or the improvement of the economy, or both), the number shows that Americans across the board believe that education after high school is not necessarily a must-have for a well-paying and stable job.

At the same time, Americans still value higher education as providing more access to opportunity and economic stability: 78 and 90 percent, respectively, believe that education beyond high school offers a good return on investment for students, and that education beyond high school offers pathways for upward economic mobility.

And even though a majority of Americans say that there are plenty of well-paying jobs for those who have only a high school diploma, four out of five Americans (82 percent) think that people who pursue education after high school have more job opportunities compared to those who work right after graduating from high school. They also think that lacking education after high school can affect an individual’s career mobility: Nearly three in four (73 percent) agree that people who did not seek education beyond high school are limited in how much they can grow in their careers.

This year’s survey goes further to explore public perceptions of the value that different levels of education after high school can bring. In general, Americans almost unanimously agree that no matter the level, having any higher education credential makes an individual better off than not having one at all, and that the higher the level of education, the greater the return.

When asked if they think people with certain higher education credentials earn more, less, or about the same as those who did not receive education after high school, the majority say more, regardless of the credential earned. Overall, only around half (52 percent) agree that people with some technical education or college but no degree will earn more than those with only a high school diploma. But the number rises to more than 70 percent when the question is about those with a technical degree/certificate and those with an associate degree, and then to 86 percent for a bachelor's degree, and more than 90 percent for advanced and professional degrees. The same pattern holds across almost all demographic groups.

In terms of job stability and overall economic security, 70 percent agree that it is easier to find a well-paying and stable career if an individual has some technical education or college (even without a degree) compared to just having a high school diploma. Nearly nine out of 10 (87 percent) agree that those with technical degrees or certificates have an easier time finding a well-paying and stable career, 81 percent think so for associate degree earners and more than 90 percent for bachelor's, advanced, and professional degrees.

Findings by Party ID

It seems these days that there is not a lot that Democrats and Republicans can agree on, but our survey shows that they are fairly aligned when it comes to the value of education after high school. Where they differ is their belief in whether or not education after high school is necessary to secure a well-paying and stable job. Only half of Democrats think that there are lots of well-paying, stable jobs that only require a high school diploma or GED. Many more Republicans (76 percent) believe this to be the case.

However, when asked if education beyond high school offers a good return on investment for the student, 80 percent of Democrats and 78 percent of Republicans agree. When the question is about whether education beyond high school offers pathways for upward economic mobility, rates of agreement for Democrats and Republicans are 93 and 91 percent, respectively. When we asked if people who did not receive an education beyond high school are limited in how much they can grow in their careers, 81 percent of Democrats and 65 percent of Republicans agree.

When it comes to questions about the returns on different levels of education after high school, again, Democrats and Republicans are aligned. Democrats and Republicans both agree that people with higher credential will earn more and find it easier to have a well-paying and stable career than someone who did not receive any education beyond high school.

Other Findings

By Generation

The survey results show a generational gap in perception of the opportunities that education after high school can provide. Only half of Generation Z, those born between the mid-1990s to early 2000s (the youngest group in our sample), think that there are lots of well-paying, stable jobs for people with only a high school diploma or GED. In contrast, nearly three in four people in the Silent Generation, those aged 74 and above ( the oldest group in our sample), believe that individuals can find lots of well-paying and stable jobs without any education after high school.¹

Millennials, those who are between 25 and 39 years old, seem to be dubious of the value of education after high school. Two in three (66 percent) Millennials do not think that one needs some sort of education after high school to get a good job. And even though the numbers show that a high majority of Millennials still believe in the value of education after high school, they believe at much lower rates compared to all other generations. In particular, 71 percent of them agree that education after high school offers a good return on investment for students, compared to 78 percent of Generation Z, 76 percent of Generation X, 83 percent of Baby Boomers, and 90 percent of the Silent Generation.

The lower agreeing rate among Millennials compared to other generations makes sense. Many of them came of age during the height of the economic crisis in 2008 and left high school just when public higher education in many states was faced with huge funding cuts. They were more reliant on student loans to fund higher education than previous generations and they also entered a much rockier labor market. Among all generations, they make up the largest group of current student loan borrowers, accumulating more than half a trillion dollars in federal student loan debt.²

As in previous years, satisfaction with higher education is low. This year, about a third (33 percent) of Americans believe higher education is fine the way it is, up from one-quarter (25 percent) in 2017 and 2018.³

In contrast to their low satisfaction with higher education, Americans are split in terms of how satisfied they are when the question is broadened to include any educational opportunities beyond high school. Almost half (49 percent) of all Americans think that education opportunities beyond high school are fine the way they are, while the other half (50 percent) disagree.

When it comes to what colleges and universities should do for students, the three most important capabilities Americans select are: (A) supporting learning and development towards lifelong careers (36 percent); (B) preparing students for entering the job market or graduate school (28 percent); (C) teaching work-related skills and knowledge (22 percent). When ranking what is the least important for colleges and universities to do, Americans say promoting an engaged citizenry (53 percent) and assisting students with personal and intellectual growth (21 percent) are the least important.

Findings by Party ID

Americans’ satisfaction with higher education varies by party. Democrats are the least satisfied with higher education, with only one out of four (26 percent) believing that higher education is fine the way it is. Meanwhile, approximately 41 percent of both Republicans and independents believe higher education is fine the way it is.

Similarly, Democrats are the least satisfied with education opportunities after high school. Only four out of 10 Democrats agree (41 percent) that education opportunities beyond high school are fine the way they currently exist. In contrast, a majority of Republicans (55 percent) and independents (53 percent) are satisfied with education opportunities after high school as they are.

Across party lines, Americans agree on what is most important for colleges and universities to do. A little over one in three Democrats, Republicans, and independents feel that supporting learning and development towards lifelong careers is most important (35, 36, and 35 percent, respectively).

Promoting an engaged citizenry is the least important across party lines (Democrats 52 percent, Republicans 57 percent, and independents 52 percent), followed by assisting students with their personal and intellectual growth (18 percent, 28 percent, and 17 percent, respectively).

Other Findings

By Generation

Regardless of age, Americans do not think that higher education is fine the way it is. Only 27 percent of Generation Z, 33 percent of Millennials, 33 percent of Generation X, 34 percent of Baby Boomers, and 38 percent of the Silent Generation are satisfied with higher education the way it is.

However, Americans across generations are more mixed about education opportunities after high school being fine the way they currently exist. Interestingly, Millennials and the Silent Generation agree that educational opportunities after high school are fine at greater numbers (54 and 57 percent, respectively), while just under half of all other generations agreed.

By Race

Satisfaction with higher education across racial groups varied. Only 31 percent of white Americans and 26 percent of those who are two or more races were satisfied with higher education. Latinx, Black Americans, and Asian Americans say that higher education is fine how it is at lesser numbers (38, 40, and 46 percent, respectively).

When it comes to whether educational opportunities beyond high school are fine the way they currently exist, responses are more mixed. Black, Latinx, and those who are two or more races are satisfied with educational opportunities after high school (56 percent, 57 percent, and 56 percent, respectively). Meanwhile, 45 percent of white Americans and 48 percent of Asian Americans think educational opportunities beyond high school are fine the way they are.

What Americans thought was most and least important for colleges and universities to do varies by race, but two categories were most noticeable. White (36 percent), Latinx (36 percent), and Asian Americans (43 percent) felt that supporting students’ learning and development toward lifelong careers is their most important job. Black Americans (38 percent) and those who are two or more races (35 percent), however, felt that it is most important for colleges and universities to prepare students for entering the job market or graduate school.

Americans are split almost 50/50 on whether people have access to a high-quality education after high school that is also affordable, with about one in five either strongly agreeing or disagreeing.

Mixed opinions about whether Americans have access to high-quality and affordable education after high school aside, six in 10 Americans, like last year, believe that government should fund educational opportunities after high school because it is good for society. Only 35 percent believe that students should fund their own education because it is a personal benefit.

When it comes to who should pay what share of education beyond high school, Americans vary on where the money should come from, depending on whether a student and her family is low-income (making less than $45,000), middle-income (making between $45,001–$135,000), or high-income (making more than $135,000). For students from low-income families, 41 percent of those polled believe the largest funding source should be the federal government and 48 percent think the smallest source should be the student and family.

While Americans overall believe that low-income families should shoulder less cost for their higher education, their opinions about middle-income students are more muddled. For students from middle-income families, 38 percent think the largest funding source should be students and their families, followed by federal funds (28 percent). As an indication that people are relatively split on who should pay what share for middle-income families, 35 percent think the smallest funding source should also be students and families, followed by federal funds (22 percent). Basically, people split their answers on these two questions.

There is a general sense, however, that high-income families should shoulder more responsibility when it comes to paying for college. Close to seven out of 10 Americans believe students from high-income families should be the largest source of funding for their higher education, and the smallest funding source should be federal (34 percent) and state (26 percent) dollars.

Regardless of how Americans feel about who should pay what share of higher education, overall there is a strong belief that federal and state government should spend more taxpayer dollars to make education after high school more affordable. Just over eight in 10 believe both governments should spend more, including just over half who strongly agree.

When it comes to state spending priorities, Americans believe that state governments spend the most on public welfare programs (32 percent believe this is the largest source of government spending) and the least on higher education (26 percent believe this is the smallest source of spending). According to budget data analyzed by the Urban Institute, Americans are correct that the largest share of state spending goes to public welfare, but wrong in that the smallest share goes to highways and roads.⁴

When asked what states should prioritize when spending taxpayer dollars, 30 percent of Americans believe that the most funding should be focused on K–12 education. And 33 percent of Americans think the least state funding should be focused on public welfare. When it comes to higher education specifically, even though it does not rise to the level of K–12 education, 18 percent of Americans say that states should be spending the most on funding it compared to 14 percent who say the least taxpayer dollars should be spent on it.

Findings by Party ID

Just over half (55 percent) of Republicans believe that Americans can find a high-quality education after high school that is also affordable. This is a significant difference when compared to Democrats and independents, who believe at lower rates that an affordable pathway is still open to individuals pursuing education after high school (45 percent for both groups).

Perhaps because Republicans believe that Americans can pursue an affordable and high-quality education after high school, they also believe that it is more of the student’s responsibility to shoulder the cost. Nearly three in five Republicans believe that the individual should fund her own education because it is a personal benefit. Meanwhile, 80 percent of Democrats say that it is the government’s responsibility to fund higher education because it is good for society.

Republicans, however, have mixed feelings about who should be the biggest funding source for low-income families and who should be the smallest. Around the same number of Republicans feel that students should either pay the least (36 percent) or the most (34 percent). Meanwhile, Democrats think the federal government should pick up the largest share of cost (54 percent say the federal government should pay the most), with 57 percent saying that students and their families should pick up the least.

Republicans more squarely believe (52 percent) that middle-income students should be the primary funders of their education and that the federal government should spend the least (33 percent). Democrats, on the other hand, believe that the federal government should pick up the largest share of the tab for middle-income students (37 percent), and that the student and his family should pick up the smallest share (42 percent).

Regardless of party identification, when it comes to high-income students and families, there is widespread agreement that the student and his family should pick up the largest share of the cost (74 percent of Republicans, 66 percent of Democrats). There is also agreement that the smallest share should be paid by the federal government (41 percent of Republicans, 30 percent of Democrats).

Yet even though there is some disagreement by party over who should be the primary funder of higher education, Republicans still agree that both state (71 percent) and federal (64 percent) government should spend more taxpayer dollars to make higher education affordable. Democrats and independents, agree at even higher levels than Republicans that states should spend more on higher education affordability (95 and 87 percent, respectively) as well as the federal government (95 and 89 percent, respectively).

In terms of how states prioritize funding for various budgetary items including higher education, Republicans think states currently spend the most on public welfare (47 percent) and the least on highways and roads (28 percent). Democrats, on the other hand, think that the least amount is spent on higher education (29 percent), while the most is spent on police and correctional facilities (31 percent).

When it comes to how states should prioritize spending, Democrats and Republicans both believe most should be going to K–12 education (32 and 29 percent, respectively). There is divergence, however, in what the two parties believe state governments should spend the least on: Republicans believe it should be public welfare programs (49 percent) and Democrats believe the least should be spent on police and corrections (37 percent).

Other Findings

By Generation

Younger Americans agree at lower rates that there are affordable and high-quality educational options after high school. Only 36 percent of Generation Z and 44 percent of Millennials agree with this statement, compared to around half of Generation X (51 percent) and Baby Boomers (50 percent). The Silent Generation are the only ones who agree at higher numbers, at 63 percent.

Perhaps as a reflection that younger generations agree less that Americans have access to an affordable higher education, they also believe at higher numbers that the government should fund higher education because it is good for society. A majority of Generation Z (82 percent), Millennials (68 percent), and Generation X (70 percent) believe the responsibility falls to the government. Just over half of Baby Boomers (55 percent) believe it falls to the government. The Silent Generation thinks that the individual should be more responsible because it is a personal benefit (58 percent).

Not only does the Silent Generation believe that Americans have access to an affordable higher education, and that education after high school is a personal benefit, they also believe (42 percent) that low-income students and families should pay the largest share of education costs. All other generations believe the largest funding source should be federal funds. In opposition to the Silent Generation’s views, all generations believe low-income students should pay the smallest share of costs. Interestingly, the Silent Generation also believes the student should bear the smallest share but at a much lower numbers (39 percent). The Silent Generation said in greater numbers that they do not know who should bear what costs for low-income families (11 percent).

When it comes to middle-income families, groups are mixed. Generation Z still believes that the federal government should pick up the largest share of the tab (42 percent). A plurality of Millennials (35 percent), Generation X (34 percent), and Baby Boomers (43 percent) believe it should be the student and his family. Only the Silent Generation (56 percent) lists a student and his family as the primary funding source. Given the contradiction of Millennials, Generation X, and Baby Boomers who say that students should be the primary funders, they also list students and families as the smallest funding source.

Regardless of age, all generations believe that for high-income families, students and their families should pay the largest share of the cost for their higher education (65 percent of Generation Z, 62 percent of Millennials, 63 percent of Generation X, 73 percent of Baby Boomers, and 83 percent of the Silent Generation). They also all believe that the smallest share should be paid by the federal government (34 percent of Generation Z, 30 percent of Millennials, 36 percent of Generation X, 34 percent of Baby Boomers, and 45 percent of the Silent Generation).

There is a strong sense, regardless of age, that states and the federal government should be spending more taxpayer dollars to make education after high school affordable. Over four out of five across every generation, for example, believe states should be spending more (91 percent of Generation Z, 83 percent of Millennials, 84 percent of Generation X, 87 percent of Baby Boomers, and 91 percent of the Silent Generation).

Similarly, all generations also believe that the federal government should be spending more taxpayer dollars to make higher education affordable (91 percent of Generation Z, 82 percent of Millennials, 84 percent of Generation X, 84 percent of Baby Boomers, and 74 percent of the Silent Generation). The one generational difference: One in four of the Silent Generation actually disagrees with the federal government spending more money on higher education.

When it comes to prioritizing how states should spend their money, interesting differences emerge. Generation Z is fairly split, believing state governments should equally prioritize K–12 education (22 percent) and health and hospitals (22 percent), followed by higher education (20 percent), and highways (18 percent). All other generations believe more strongly that states should prioritize K–12 education (32 percent of Millennials, 31 percent of Generation X, 30 percent of Baby Boomers, and 30 percent of the Silent Generation).

By Race

While every American, regardless of race and ethnicity, believes that the responsibility for funding higher education should rest more with the government because it is good for society, those who identify as Asian (80 percent), Black (79 percent), Latinx (75 percent), and two or more races (67 percent) believe so in greater numbers than white Americans (55 percent).

Given the intensity of the beliefs of groups other than white Americans when it comes to government funding educational opportunities after high school, they believe in greater numbers that federal money should be the largest funding source for higher education for low-income families (54 percent of Black respondents, 49 percent of Latinx, and 50 percent of those who are two or more races, compared to only 35 percent of white respondents).⁵ Regardless of race/ethnicity, all respondents believe that low-income students should bear the smallest share of the cost.

Compared to white and Asian Americans, who believe the largest source of funding for middle-income families should be the student (43 and 36 percent, respectively), Black Americans believe in greater numbers that the largest funding source should come from the federal government (35 percent). When it comes to who should pay the smallest share, Americans, regardless of race and ethnicity, think it should be the student, though with much smaller pluralities (34 percent of white respondents, 34 percent of Black respondents, 35 percent of Latinx, and 35 percent of Asian American). Those who are two or more races feel at a higher intensity that middle-income students and families should pay the smallest share (44 percent).

For those students coming from the highest-income families, Americans, regardless of race and ethnicity, believe the largest source should be the student and family (74 percent of white, 46 percent of Black, 59 percent of Latinx, 66 percent of Asian, and 65 percent of those who are two or more races). Meanwhile, white (37 percent), Latinx (31 percent), Asian (33 percent), and those who are two or more races (31 percent) feel the smallest source should be the federal government. Black Americans believe the smallest funder should be the state, at 29 percent, but other sources such as the federal government (25 percent), institution (22 percent), and student (22 percent) are close behind, making this demographic split on who should pay the smallest share.

In general, all Americans, regardless of race and ethnicity, believe that states and the federal government should spend more to make education opportunities after high school more affordable. Black and Asian Americans believe this at a much stronger intensity for the federal government (95 and 91 percent, respectively) and state governments (95 and 94 percent, respectively) compared to other racial and ethnic groups.

White Americans believe that the most money in state budgets should be spent on K–12 education (33 percent). Black Americans believe that the most money should be spent on higher education (32 percent), followed closely by health and hospitals (29 percent). Latinx Americans are also fairly split, with 27 percent wanting the most spent on K–12 education, and 26 percent saying it should be spent on higher education. Asian Americans believe the most should be spent on health and hospitals (33 percent), followed by K–12 education (27 percent). Those who are two or more races believe the most money should be spent on K–12 education (37 percent), followed by health and hospitals (19 percent).

Americans feel strongly about making sure colleges and universities are transparent and held accountable for student outcomes. Nine out of 10 (91 percent) Americans think it is important for colleges and universities to be transparent and provide publicly available data on key indicators of quality, such as graduation rates or employment rates.

Most Americans support the idea that colleges and universities should lose some access to taxpayer dollars if several indicators of quality are missing, evident in low graduation rates, high default rates for student loans, low rates of student loan repayment, and low incidence of jobs with a living wage for graduates.

Four out of 10 Americans support the idea of institutions losing some access to taxpayer dollars if they have low graduation rates.

About two-thirds (64 percent) of Americans support the idea of institutions losing some access to taxpayer dollars if they have a high student loan default rate.

Two-thirds (65 percent) of Americans support the idea of institutions losing some access to taxpayer dollars if they have low rates of student loan repayment.

And just over three in four Americans (77 percent) support the idea of institutions losing some access to taxpayer dollars if graduates have low rates of jobs with a living wage.

Findings by Party ID

There is widespread support across party lines for having colleges and universities provide data on indicators of quality: 94 percent of Democrats, 90 percent of Republicans, and 87 percent of independents believe this is important.

When it comes to holding institutions accountable, about eight in 10 Americans are in support of removing some access to taxpayer dollars if colleges or universities have low graduation rates (80 percent of Democrats, 80 percent of Republicans, 79 percent of independents).

Similarly, two-thirds of Republicans and independents support the idea of institutions losing some access to taxpayer dollars if they have high student loan default rates; Democrats support the idea slightly less (62 percent).

Republicans support the idea of colleges and universities losing some access to taxpayer money if they have low rates of student loan repayment (71 percent) in the highest numbers across party lines. Independents are the group second most in support (65 percent), followed by Democrats (60 percent).

Holding institutions accountable for ensuring their graduates earn a living wage proved to be very important to Americans. Independents are most in support of institutions losing some taxpayer money if rates of post-graduation jobs with a living wage were low (83 percent). But about three-quarters of Democrats and Republicans (76 and 73 percent, respectively) are also in support of this idea.

Other Findings

By Generation

Americans of all generations strongly support having colleges and universities provide data on indicators of quality. Generation Z and Baby Boomers favor the idea the most, at 96 and 94 percent, respectively. Millennials, Generation X, and the Silent Generation are all similarly in favor of having institutions provide data on indicators of quality, but slightly less so (89 percent).

Regardless of generation, Americans are in support of having institutions lose some access to taxpayer dollars if they fail to meet indicators of quality. Doing so for institutions with low graduation rates is overwhelmingly supported across generations, with some variation. Generation Z and Baby Boomers support this idea at greater numbers (81 and 84 percent, respectively). Millennials and Generation X are similarly in support (78 and 79 percent, respectively). The Silent Generation, while still mostly in support, was less so. About seven in 10 Americans in the Silent Generation support this idea.

Americans across generations also support the idea of institutions losing some access to taxpayer money if they have high default rates for student loans. Although around two-thirds of Americans across generations support this (64 percent of Generation Z, 65 percent of Millennials, 63 percent of Generation X, 66 percent of Baby Boomers, and 65 percent of the Silent Generation), they do so less than if institutions have low graduation rates.

Similar levels of support are indicated across generations for the idea of institutions losing some access to taxpayer dollars if they have low rates of student loan repayment. Around two-thirds of Americans in each generation support the idea (68 percent of Generation Z, 64 percent of Millennials, 65 percent of Generation X, 68 percent of Baby Boomers, and 61 percent of the Silent Generation).

Support for institutions losing some access to taxpayer money if they have low rates of graduates earning a living wage is also strong, but varies more across generations. Again, Generation Z (81 percent) and Baby Boomers (80 percent) are most in agreement with the idea. Three out of every four Millennials and Generation Xers support this idea. The Silent Generation are slightly less in favor (69 percent).

This year, New America gauged public opinion about admissions preferences at elite colleges and universities. Data were collected after the Varsity Blues scandal, in which well-known, wealthy parents allegedly committed fraud to secure a place for their children at some of the nation’s most prestigious colleges.⁶ Meanwhile, the Supreme Court is deciding the future of affirmative action at selective colleges and universities. How do Americans feel about any sort of preference besides academic and test scores at selective colleges and universities? As it turns out, most of them do not believe in legacy, athletic, or affirmative action admissions policies.

Approximately three out of five do not think it should be easier for students to get into college if they are descended from alumni at that institution, with only 16 percent saying it should be easier for legacy applicants to get in if they are members of an underrepresented group. Over half (57 percent) do not think it should be easier for recruited varsity student-athletes to gain admittance, with only 22 percent saying that it should be easier for those athletes who are from underrepresented groups or play high-profile sports. And nearly three-quarters (74 percent) do not think race should be considered in admissions. Though the question did not specify whether race and ethnicity would impact an admissions decision positively or negatively.

Findings by Party ID

Regardless of party identification, all Americans believe that legacy status, athletic recruitment, and race/ethnicity should not be given special treatment in the college admissions process. Approximately 62 percent of Democrats and 69 percent of Republicans think it should not be easier for legacy candidates to gain admission. Over half of Democrats (54 percent) and three out of five Republicans (61 percent) think it should not be easier for recruited athletes to gain admission.

Although neither Republicans nor Democrats think race should be considered in admissions, Republicans feel more strongly in their beliefs than Democrats. Nearly nine out of 10 of them (89 percent) think race should not factor into admissions decisions, compared with 61 percent of Democrats.

Other Findings

By Race

Interesting patterns begin to emerge when it comes to the beliefs of different racial and ethnic groups about admissions preferences at elite universities. A majority of white Americans (73 percent), for example, do not believe it should be easier for legacy candidates to gain admission. And around half of Asian Americans (59 percent) and those who are two or more races (53 percent) also do not think legacy status should be considered in the admissions process. A quarter of Black Americans do believe that it should be easier for legacy admits who come from underrepresented groups (26 percent) and another quarter believe it should be easier for legacy admits overall (26 percent), meaning approximately 52 percent believe legacy status should be a consideration in some way. Similarly, a quarter of Latinx Americans believe that it should be easier for legacy admits from underrepresented groups, and nearly a third (30 percent) believe it should be easier overall, meaning 55 percent believe legacy status should be considered.

White Americans do not believe any admissions preference should be given for recruited varsity student athletes (65 percent). Meanwhile, just over half of Black Americans (53 percent), Latinx Americans (53 percent), and Asian Americans (51 percent) believe it should be easier for recruited athletes to gain admission either just generally or because they are from an underrepresented group or play a high-profile sport.

Like other admissions preferences, white Americans (79 percent) are also soundly against considering race and ethnicity in the admissions process. But Americans who identify as Black (61 percent), Latinx (71 percent), those who are two or more races (75 percent), and Asian (though at much less intensity at 59 percent) all believe that race should not be a factor.

Americans think positively of different pathways for education after high school. Whether it is an apprenticeship, technical degree, or bachelor's degree program, up to 90 percent of Americans feel comfortable recommending any of these programs to their children or close family members. And for an associate degree, 84 percent say so.

Apprenticeship—a workforce training model that combines in-classroom learning and on-the-job training—is particularly favored by Americans. Most apprenticeships provide training that is equivalent to post-secondary education; however, not all of them currently lead to a higher education degree, such as an associate or bachelor's degree. Support for apprenticeship does not change when it is mentioned on its own, or when the possibility of earning an associate or bachelor's degree is added. In particular, 92 percent say that they feel comfortable recommending apprenticeship to their children or close family members: 94 percent say so when the phrase “if it also leads to an associate or bachelor’s degree” is added. When asked if apprenticeships and technical training programs provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary for a good standard of living, 94 percent agree.

Findings by Party ID

Support is similarly high among Democrats and Republicans for all educational pathways after high school. Both groups would recommend that their children or close family members enroll in an apprenticeship program (91 percent of Democrats and 94 percent of Republicans); a technical degree/certificate (91 and 91 percent, respectively); an associate degree program (85 and 84 percent, respectively); and a bachelor's degree program (96 and 92 percent, respectively).

Cynicism about higher education and its cost aside, support remains strong for America’s public colleges and universities, especially for community colleges. Overall, 85 percent of Americans think that public community colleges are worth the cost, a similar finding to previous years, and 78 percent are comfortable contributing their tax dollars to them. Over half (62 percent) believe community colleges run efficiently and spend money wisely. Seventy-seven percent of Americans agree that community colleges are for people like them, and 86 percent think these institutions contribute to a strong American workforce.

Support for America’s public four-year colleges and universities is also high, but less so than for community colleges. Around two-thirds of Americans think public four-year colleges and universities are worth the cost (68 percent) and are comfortable contributing their tax dollars to these institutions (67 percent). Americans think public four-year institutions are for people like them (74 percent), and agree that these institutions contribute to a strong American workforce (82 percent). But only 47 percent believe public four-year colleges spend their money wisely and 55 percent agree that they run efficiently.

About 57 percent of Americans think that private, non-profit four-year colleges and universities are worth the cost. However, fewer than half (49 percent) are comfortable contributing their tax dollars to them. Only 48 percent agree that private non-profit institutions spend their money wisely, but 55 percent agree that they run efficiently. Some 58 percent believe that these institutions are for people like them. Americans feel strongly (80 percent) that private non-profit institutions contribute to a strong American workforce.

For-profit four-year colleges and universities received the least support from Americans. Fewer than half of Americans (46 percent) think for-profit four-year institutions are worth the cost, and only 35 percent are comfortable contributing their tax dollars to them. Similarly, 39 percent think these institutions spend their money wisely. Only 47 percent think they run efficiently and that for-profit four-year colleges and universities are for people like them, but 64 percent agree that they contribute to a strong American workforce.

Findings by Party ID

The belief that certain institution types are worth the cost varies with party identification.

Community Colleges

Democrats (87 percent) and Republicans (85 percent) believe that community college is worth the cost.

Where Republicans felt similar to Democrats about the cost of community colleges, they differed in the intensity of their opinion on whether taxpayer dollars should support community colleges. Approximately 87 percent of Democrats supported giving taxpayer dollars to community colleges, compared to 69 percent of Republicans. Similarly, the percent of Democrats and Republicans that believe community colleges spend their money wisely and run efficiently varies: 66 percent of Democrats and 59 percent of Republicans agree that community colleges use their money wisely, and 66 percent of Democrats and 57 percent of Republicans agree that these institutions run efficiently.

Most Americans (77 percent of Democrats, 68 percent of Republicans) think community colleges are for people like them and that these schools contribute to a strong workforce (88 and 86 percent, respectively).

Public Four-Year Colleges and Universities

As with community colleges, Democrats think that public four-year colleges and universities are worth the cost at greater numbers, at a rate of about two out of three Democrats (68 percent). A solid majority of Democrats are comfortable contributing their tax dollars to public four-year colleges and universities (79 percent). Most Republicans also think that public four-year institutions are worth the cost, but less so than Democrats (58 percent); 63 percent of them are comfortable contributing their tax dollars to these institutions.

Thoughts on whether these institutions use their money wisely and run efficiently vary by party; our survey showed that 58 percent of Democrats think public four-year institutions use their money wisely, but only 35 percent of Republicans do. Similarly, 64 percent of Democrats think these institutions run efficiently, while only 43 percent of Republicans do.

When it comes to feeling that a public four-year institution is for people like them, 82 percent of Democrats feel this way, and Republicans do so less strongly, at 68 percent. Both parties think these institutions contribute to a strong American workforce, but at varying intensities (89 percent of Democrats, 78 percent of Republicans).

Private Non-Profit Colleges and Universities

Democrats think private non-profit colleges and universities are worth the cost (62 percent), but less so than community colleges or public four-year institutions. Fifty-seven percent are comfortable contributing their tax dollars to them. Interestingly, support for private non-profit institutions is lowest among Republicans. Only a little under half of Republicans (49 percent) think private non-profit four-year colleges and universities are worth the cost. Most Republicans are not comfortable contributing their tax dollars to these institutions (61 percent).

Democrats and Republicans vary on how they think private non-profit institutions spend their money. These institutions spend their money wisely for 52 percent of Democrats and 42 percent of Republicans: 58 percent of Democrats and 49 percent of Republicans think they run efficiently.

There is less variation on whether Americans think private non-profit institutions are for them (60 percent of Democrats, 55 percent of Republicans) and whether they contribute to a strong American workforce (81 percent of Democrats, 78 percent of Republicans).

For-Profit Four-Year Colleges and Universities

The slight majority of Democrats (52 percent) do not think that for-profit four-year institutions are worth the cost, and only 35 percent are comfortable with their taxpayer dollars going to support these institutions.

Republicans also do not feel that for-profit colleges and universities are worth the cost (54 percent). They are also the most averse to contributing their taxes to for-profit institutions. Only 26 percent of Republicans are comfortable with tax dollars going to for-profit institutions.

Fewer Americans think for-profit institutions spend their money wisely. Only 40 percent of Democrats and 34 percent of Republicans think so, and only 48 percent of Democrats and 43 percent of Republicans think for-profit institutions run efficiently. While fewer than half of Democrats (48 percent) and Republicans (46 percent) think for-profit four-year institutions are for them, 63 percent of Democrats and 64 percent of Republicans think these institutions contribute to a strong American workforce.

Other Findings

By Educational Attainment

Public Community Colleges

Support for the country’s public community colleges is strong across all education levels among Americans, but there are some surprising variations. Most Americans with graduate degrees (94 percent) think that community colleges are worth the cost, more than any other group. Unsurprisingly, nearly nine in 10 Americans with an associate degree feel this way (88 percent), along with 85 percent of those with some college or a bachelor's degree and 82 percent of Americans with a high school diploma or less.

Similar patterns emerge when it comes to supporting community colleges with tax dollars. Americans with graduate degrees (89 percent) and associate degrees (80 percent) were most comfortable contributing their tax dollars to public community colleges. Americans with some college or a high school diploma or less are comfortable with this (77 percent), and Americans with bachelor's degrees, while still overwhelmingly supportive, do so slightly less than other groups (73 percent).

Public Four-Year Colleges and Universities

While the majority of Americans across education levels believe public four-year institutions are worth the cost, there is much more variation in opinion. Unsurprisingly, 75 percent of Americans with bachelor's degrees and 72 percent of those with graduate degrees think that these institutions are worth it. Americans with a high school diploma or less are the next largest group to think that public four-year institutions are worth it, at 69 percent. Two-thirds of Americans with some college agree, while just over half (51 percent) of Americans with associate degrees agree.

Comfort with contributing tax dollars to these institutions also varies by education level, and again, is higher among Americans with more advanced degrees. Americans with bachelor's degrees (69 percent) and graduate degrees (78 percent) feel comfortable contributing their tax dollars to public four-year colleges and universities in greater numbers. About two-thirds of Americans with a high school diploma or less (65 percent) and Americans with some college (67 percent) are comfortable supporting these institutions with their tax dollars. Americans with associate degrees feel comfortable with this idea in lesser numbers, but most still supported the idea (61 percent).

Private Non-Profit Four-Year Colleges and Universities

Americans think that private, non-profit four-year colleges and universities are less worth the cost than public institutions, and their opinions vary by education level. Surprisingly, Americans with a high school diploma or less think that private four-year institutions are worth it more than other groups—nearly two out of three (64 percent) think so. Americans with some college, a bachelor's degree, or a graduate degree feel similarly about whether these institutions are worth it (54, 53, and 55 percent, respectively). Most Americans with an associate degree do not think that private non-profit colleges and universities are worth it.

It is less frequent that Americans feel comfortable contributing their tax dollars to private, non-profit four-year colleges and universities. The only group in which the majority feel comfortable with this idea is Americans with a high school diploma or less (54 percent). Those with some college but no degree and those with a graduate degree are split on whether they feel comfortable with this. However, the majority of people with an associate (53 percent) or bachelor's degree (62 percent) do not feel comfortable contributing their tax dollars to these institutions.

For-Profit Four-Year Colleges and Universities

Fewer Americans across educational attainment believe that for-profit institutions are worth the cost. Americans with a high school diploma or less were the only group where a majority, six in 10, feel these institutions are worth the cost. Across all other attainment groups, however, the majority of Americans do not think these institutions are worth the cost: 54 percent of those with some college but no degree do not think these institutions are worth the cost, as do six in 10 Americans with an associate degree, 63 percent of Americans with bachelor's degrees, and 67 percent with graduate degrees.

The majority of Americans across educational statuses do not feel comfortable contributing their tax dollars to for-profit four-year institutions. Americans with a high school diploma or less oppose contributing their taxes to these institutions in lesser numbers, but are nearly split on the issue (51 percent disagree). Two of every three Americans with some college but no degree (67 percent) or an associate degree (63 percent) do not feel comfortable with this idea, as do three of every four Americans with a bachelor's degree. Americans with graduate degrees oppose contributing tax dollars to for-profit four-year colleges and universities the most (81 percent).

Findings by Race

For-Profit Four-Year Colleges and Universities

For-profit institutions were found to be the least worth the cost across racial groups, but interesting patterns emerged among people of color. A slight majority of white Americans (56 percent) and Americans who are two or more races (56 percent) do not agree that for-profit four-year colleges and universities are worth the cost. Asian Americans felt so at a rate of 57 percent. Interestingly, 59 percent of Black Americans and 53 percent of Latinx Americans believe that for-profit institutions are worth the cost.

Similar patterns emerged for groups’ comfort levels with having their tax dollars support for-profit institutions. The majority of white (71 percent), Asian (60 percent), and Americans who are two or more races (59 percent) are not comfortable with their tax dollars supporting for-profit institutions. Fifty-five percent of Latinx Americans are uncomfortable with contributing tax-dollars to these institutions. However, 59 percent of all Black Americans are comfortable with their tax dollars supporting for-profit four-year colleges and universities.

When it comes to how private, for-profit four-year colleges and universities run financially, Black Americans and Latinx Americans have the most positive view. When asked how much they agreed that these institutions used their money wisely, 56 percent of Black Americans and 47 percent of Latinx Americans say yes. This is more than white Americans, Asian Americans, and Americans of two or more races (34, 36, and 40 percent, respectively). Around half of Black Americans (57 percent) and Latinx Americans (54 percent) agree that private, for-profit four-year institutions run efficiently, slightly more than white Americans (42 percent) and Asian Americans (48 percent).

The majority of Americans across race think for-profit institutions contribute to a strong American workforce: 63 percent of white Americans, 70 percent of Black Americans, 68 percent of Latinx Americans, 61 percent of Asian Americans, and 62 percent of Americans of two or more races agree.

However, there is discrepancy across these groups as to whether for-profit four-year institutions are for people like them. Only 41 percent of white Americans and 48 percent of Asian Americans agree, but 62 percent of Black Americans, 60 percent of Latinx Americans, and 54 percent of Americans of two or more races think these institutions are for people like them.

Perhaps reflecting the fact that Americans feel more positively about public two- and four-year colleges and universities, like last year, a strong majority (79 percent) of Americans have a positive view of the colleges and universities located near them.

When widening the scope and asking about colleges and universities across the United States, a majority maintain their positive view (72 percent).

In general, a majority of Americans (69 percent) believe colleges and universities have a positive effect on the way things are going in the country.

Findings by Party ID

More Democrats (86 percent) than Republicans (74 percent) and independents (75 percent) have a positive view of their local colleges and universities, though regardless of political affiliation everyone feels generally positive about their local higher education options.

When asked how they feel about colleges and universities across the U.S., Democrats have a stronger positive opinion (81 percent) than Republicans (63 percent) and independents (68 percent).

Democrats also believe in greater numbers that colleges and universities have a positive effect on the way things are going in this country (79 percent) compared to Republicans (56 percent) and independents (69 percent). Though notably, everyone agrees that colleges and universities have a positive effect on the way things are going. This is in contradiction to findings from the Pew Research Center in 2019 that said 59 percent of Republicans believed that colleges and universities have a negative impact on the way things are going in this country compared to only 18 percent of Democrats who believed so.⁷

Other Findings

By Region

People in the South have more positive views of their local colleges and universities (85 percent) compared to the Northeast (73 percent), Midwest (77 percent), and West (78 percent).

However, when asked about colleges and universities across the United States, people from the South have a similar positive view (75 percent) compared with the Northeast (64 percent), Midwest (68 percent), and the West (76 percent).

Similarly, regardless of region, Americans believe colleges and universities have a positive effect on the way things are going in this country, with those from the Midwest (63 percent) feeling slightly less favorable than those from the Northeast (70 percent), South (71 percent), and West (71 percent).

Free college or debt-free college has become one plank in a major platform for many of the Democratic presidential primary candidates, such as senators Warren and Sanders. When asked how important a candidate’s stance on free college options for students will be for their vote, 67 percent of voters said important, with 31 percent indicating it will be very important.

A slight majority of Americans (56 percent) support a candidate who favors free college tuition, with 31 percent actively opposing and 12 percent who said it would not impact their vote.

Findings by Party ID

Four out of five Democratic voters say free college options will be important for their vote in the 2020 presidential election. This is no surprise, given that access to low-cost higher education has become a signature issue for the party. Approximately 46 percent of Republican voters say a candidate’s stance on free college will be important for their vote. A majority (65 percent) of independent voters say it will be important.

Approximately three-quarters of Democrats and over half (56 percent) of independents support candidates who favor free college, compared with over half of Republicans who oppose it (58 percent, 40 percent strongly so).

Other Findings

By Educational Attainment

Voters with a high school education or less (70 percent) or some college but no degree (70 percent) say at greater numbers that a presidential candidate’s stance of free college will be important for their vote than those who hold associate degrees (62 percent), bachelor's degrees (60 percent), or graduate degrees (67 percent).

Voters with a high school education or less and those with some college but no degree both say they will support candidates who favor free tuition policies (62 and 55 percent, respectively). Those with associate degrees or bachelor's degrees feel more mixed, with slightly less than half supporting candidates who favor free college (49 and 46 percent, respectively). Those with graduate degrees, however, are more likely to vote for a candidate who supports free college (61 percent).

Race and Ethnicity

Black voters say in greater numbers that a presidential candidate’s stance on free college will be important to secure their vote (83 percent) compared to Latinx Americans (75 percent), Asian Americans (74 percent), those who are two or more races (66 percent), and white Americans (61 percent).

Black, Latinx, Asian, and voters who are two or more races all support candidates who favor free college proposals (77, 66, 64, and 64 percent, respectively). White Americans, however, are more mixed, with 48 percent saying they would support a candidate who has free college in his or her platform.