Most Americans Now Doubt the Value of a Four-Year College Degree, New Data Shows
A growing majority of Americans no longer believe a four-year college degree is worth the cost, according to a new NBC News poll conducted in late October 2025. Just 34% of adults say a bachelor’s degree is a good investment, marking a notable decline from 41% in 2017. The shift in perception comes as tuition costs continue to rise and questions mount about the relevance of higher education in a rapidly changing job market.
The decline in confidence is particularly stark among Republican voters. The NBC survey found that 55% of Republicans saw college as worthwhile in 2013, compared with just 22% today – a 33% decline. Support among Democrats, meanwhile, dropped 14%. This divergence coincides with a shift in the political makeup of both parties, with Democrats gaining support among voters with degrees and Republicans making inroads among those without them.
Researchers at Gallup and the Lumina Foundation found that 38% of Americans who lack confidence in higher education cite politics, with another 32% saying college doesn’t teach the right things. Concerns that colleges and universities are partisan are likely contributing to the declining support among Republican voters, according to a Gallup analysis.
The poll data underscores a broader national conversation about the return on investment for higher education, as student loan debt reaches record levels and alternative pathways to employment – such as vocational training and apprenticeships – gain traction.
