Degree importance drops to historic low

A recent poll by Gallup found that only 35% of Americans now rate a university education as 'very important', marking a dramatic decline from 75% in 2010. The shift spans all demographic groups, with the percentage dismissing tertiary education as 'not too important' more than doubling since 2019 to 24%.

Gallup poll suggests perceived importance of university is down among all social groups

The decline reflects concerns beyond political critiques of higher education. Rising costs, trade school alternatives, online learning expansion and AI's potential labour market disruption all contribute to shifting perceptions of university education's value proposition. Many degree pathways no longer guarantee middle-class stability – steady employment, home ownership, upward mobility – or earning potential that justify their cost.

Yet most Americans still see some value in degrees, rating them at least 'fairly important', and 59% of parents hope their children attend university directly after secondary school.

The results are based on telephone interviews conducted August 2025 with a random sample of (only) 1,094 adults (U.S. population is 340 million), ages 18+, living in all 50 U.S. states. Weighted to account for selection and demographic variations. 

Source: Gallup (September 11, 2025). Perceived importance of college hits new low.