Gallup Finds College Importance Hits Record Low 35 Percent

A recent Gallup poll reveals that only 35% of Americans now consider a college education to be "very important," marking a significant decline from 75% in 2010 and 53% in 2019. The percentage of those who see college as "not too important" has more than doubled since 2019, reaching 24%, indicating a broad decline in perceived value across all demographic groups, including traditionally pro-college segments such as women, people of color, college graduates, and Democrats. The decline in support is evident across political lines, with Republicans showing more skepticism, often citing perceived left-leaning political bias in higher education, though Democrats also report decreased importance. Factors contributing to this drop may include the high cost of college, the rising appeal of trade schools, online learning options, microcredentials, and labor market changes driven by AI advancements. Among parents of children under 18, perceptions mirror the national average, with only 38% rating college as very important. The poll, conducted in August 2025 with 1,094 adults, reflects a significant shift in American attitudes toward the value of a college education.