Summary
A recent Gallup poll shows fewer Americans see college education as very important compared to previous years. Despite this perception, college degrees still lead to higher lifetime earnings compared to only having a high school diploma. The appeal of skilled trades and concerns about college costs and debt are influencing these views.
Key Facts
- The percentage of Americans who see college as very important has dropped significantly in the last decade, according to Gallup.
- College degrees still tend to lead to higher lifetime earnings than just a high school diploma.
- College graduates earn more than twice what high school graduates earn on average.
- The median household income for those with at least a bachelor’s degree was $132,700 last year, compared to $58,410 for high school graduates.
- An increasing number of people are finding skilled trade jobs, like plumbing and electrical work, appealing.
- Political views show a decrease in support for higher education among both Republicans and Democrats since 2013.
- Concerns about student loan debt, job security, and the rise of AI affecting white-collar jobs are contributing to changing attitudes toward college.
- Household earnings for college-educated individuals have grown more in the past two decades compared to those with only a high school education.
