ISSUE GUIDES: Higher Education

PUBLIC VIEW: PEOPLE’S CHIEF CONCERNS
  • Majorities say getting a college education is more important today than it was 10 years ago
  • Six in 10 parents of high school students say a college education is absolutely necessary for their child
  • Among parents, Hispanics are the most likely to say that a college education is the one thing that can most help...
  • Slightly more than half of the public says their job does not require a college degree
  • Two-thirds say it's possible to be successful in today's work world without a college education
  • Half of those with children say they are very concerned about being able to save enough money to put a child through college
  • Hispanic parents are far more likely than black and white parents to say they are "very worried" about being able to afford...
  • Most people say if someone really wants to go to college they can find a way to pay for it and almost anyone can get...
  • Most people say students have to borrow too much money to pay for college and majorities agree with the view that the cost...
  • Americans are divided on the definition of affirmative action
  • Most Americans say less qualified students are "often" or "sometimes" accepted to colleges as a result of...
  • Only a quarter say the number of minority college students would decline without affirmative action
  • Most college professors doubt a high school diploma guarantees "the basics," but majorities of students and teachers say it does
  • Most college professors say freshmen and sophomores lack basic writing, grammar, and math skills, but they commend college...