College Enrollment Rises Despite Growing Public Skepticism

Despite public doubt, U.S. college enrollment and degree attainment continue to rise.

Researchers and economists analyze why Americans persist in pursuing higher education even as belief in its value declines. This structural tension reflects a complex calculus of costs, benefits, and perceptions.

Polls show that only 35% of adults now see college as “very important,” down from 70% in 2013, while 63% believe it is “not worth the cost,” up from 40%. Yet, bachelor’s degrees awarded increased from 1.6 million in 2010 to 2 million in 2023. Tuition costs at public four-year institutions have fallen by more than 20% since 2015 after adjusting for financial aid, and only a minority of students pay the full sticker price. The college wage premium remains robust, with degree holders earning about 70% more than high-school graduates, and this premium is projected to grow to 76% by 2042. Some experts note that for most students, the financial and career benefits substantially outweigh the costs, though some majors and schools do not offer positive returns.

How long this divergence between public skepticism and enrollment trends will persist remains uncertain.

The College Backlash Is a Mirage
By Rose Horowitch, The Atlantic