New poll finds most voters believe college degree is not worth the cost

A recent national poll conducted by NBC News reveals that 63% of U.S. registered voters feel a four-year college degree is no longer worth the expense, marking the lowest approval rate since the question was first asked in 2013. Only 33% of respondents consider a degree a worthwhile investment, highlighting a significant shift in public perception compared to previous years.

The survey, carried out between October 24 and 28 with 1,000 registered voters, provides clear insight into how rising tuition costs, student debt concerns, and doubts about job preparedness are influencing opinions on higher education.

Falling Confidence in College Returns

Trend data from NBC's poll indicate a gradual decline in confidence in the financial benefits of a four-year degree, dropping from 53% in 2013 to 49% in 2017, before reaching this years low. About one-third of participants still see a degree as advantageous for long-term career and income prospects, while 4% remained uncertain.

The poll also highlights that 61% of voters feel their family income is not keeping pace with the cost of living, framing the context for how Americans weigh the expense of college against potential benefits.

Cost vs. Career Preparation

Many respondents noted that college graduates often leave school with substantial debt and insufficient job-specific skills. Concerns about both career readiness and repayment burdens are shaping perceptions of whether tuition aligns with expected financial outcomes from a degree.

Impact on Asian American Families

Higher education has traditionally been a pathway to economic mobility for many Asian American households, particularly immigrants who relied on degrees to enter professional fields. However, formal degree requirements have declined in industries such as software development, information design, and project management, especially as demand for AI-related skills grows. These trends are influencing how families evaluate tuition costs, debt, and career prospects when planning educational paths.

Generational Perspectives

The shift in sentiment is echoed among younger workers. A March Harris Poll for Indeed found that 51% of Gen Z degree holders felt their education was not worth the cost, with 30% saying AI had diminished the value of their degreesa figure rising to 45% among Gen Z respondents. Additionally, a May ResumeGenius survey revealed that nearly one in four Gen Z workers regretted attending college or wished they had chosen a different path.

Author: Chloe Ramirez