Just 12% of Americans Say Four-Year Colleges Are Affordable

A new Gallup/Lumina Foundation survey found that just 12% of Americans believe four-year colleges and universities do a good or excellent job of providing an affordable education, while 63% say they do a poor job. Despite those concerns, most parents still want their children to pursue education beyond high school, with 38% preferring a four-year college, 19% a two-year college and 17% a job-training or certification program. Americans also overwhelmingly believe the responsibility for making college more affordable falls on colleges and governments rather than students and their families.

The findings highlight the growing importance of demonstrating value and return on investment in higher education. Colleges, universities, community colleges, trade schools, financial institutions and education service providers have an opportunity to address affordability concerns while communicating the long-term benefits of education and workforce preparation.