Summary
A recent survey by the Pew Research Center shows that most Americans believe the higher education system in the U.S. is heading in the wrong direction. Concerns include high tuition costs, student loan debt, and worries about the quality of education. This trend occurs as President Donald Trump's administration takes actions that impact universities.
Key Facts
- A survey shows 70% of Americans feel the higher education system is moving in the wrong direction.
- In 2020, only 56% of people thought the higher education system was going in the wrong direction.
- President Donald Trump's administration has reduced federal funding for universities it criticizes and proposed an ideological agreement with some institutions.
- The survey found 77% of Republicans and 65% of Democrats are unhappy with the direction of higher education.
- 79% of Americans believe colleges are not keeping tuition costs affordable.
- Over half (55%) think colleges do a poor job of preparing students for well-paying jobs.
- Almost half of Americans think colleges do not effectively develop students' critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Colleges and universities received the highest marks for their role in advancing research and innovation, with 55% rating them positively in this area.
