The high cost and limited job prospects are among the key reasons for those who view college as not worth it
SEATTLE, Oct. 20, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Intelligent.com, a trusted resource for online degree rankings and higher education planning, has published a recent survey report that examines how Americans perceive the value of a college education in today's society. The report provides insight into the reasons behind skepticism about college value and identifies demographics that are more likely to hold this view. Researchers surveyed 1,202 people from across the United States.
According to the report, 27 percent of Americans believe college isn't worth it, with 22 percent leaning towards 'probably not' and 5 percent stating 'definitely not.' Conversely, 30 percent believe a college education is 'definitely worth it,' and 43 percent say that it 'probably is worth it.' Younger Americans are less likely to believe that college today is not worth it. Only twenty-six percent of 18-25-year-olds say college isn't worth it, compared to 29 percent of 26-35-year-olds, 30 percent of 36-45-year-olds, 27 percent of 46-55-year-olds, and 29 percent of those over 55.
"Despite the high price of college for most people, a degree does pay off – and an advanced degree can double your lifetime earnings," says Professor and Higher Education Advisor Diane Gayeski. "It is not just what is learned in class that prepares you for a specific job. The college experience includes exposure to new kinds of people and places."
The survey results indicate that nearly all respondents feel the cost of college is expensive with 57 percent saying it's 'way too expensive' and 36 percent saying it's 'too expensive.' Overall, the top reasons cited by those who believe college isn't worth it include the cost (75%), the belief it does not improve job prospects (51%), the belief what's taught is not valuable (31%), and belief it's too liberal or political (26%).
Among parents with children under 18, 91 percent are inclined to want their child to attend college, with 54 percent saying they "definitely" and 37 percent saying they "probably" want their child to go to college. Notably, among those who say they don't feel college is worth it, 69 percent want their child to go to college.
Intelligent.com commissioned this online poll, which was conducted via SurveyMonkey on September 14, 2023. The survey included 1,202 American respondents who were recruited through SurveyMonkey Audience. Respondents were selected to represent the U.S. population by age, gender, and region.
To view the complete report, please visit: https://www.intelligent.com/americans-faith-in-college-is-declining-yet-9-in-10-parents-still-want-their-child-to-go/
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SOURCE Intelligent.com
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