Why is support for higher education declining in the United States?
A recent Gallup report stated that “cost, perceived political objectives, and the nature of leadership were cited as key reasons for the lack of confidence.”
This survey shows that more Americans are losing trust in American universities.
In 2015, 57% said they were confident in higher education. In 2025, that number was 42%. In 2026, that number has dropped to 38%.
According to Gallup, only 37% of Americans say they have “some” confidence in higher education, while 25% have “a little” or “not at all” confidence.
Even Democratic politicians who strongly support investing tax money in universities are beginning to change their minds.
According to Gallup, 61% of Democrats say they have confidence in higher education in 2025. By 2026, that number has fallen by double digits to just 50%. Gallup announces this is a new low
Only 39% of independents and 23% of Republicans trust higher education. In 2015, 56% of Republican voters had more confidence in higher education.
“The long-term decline in confidence in higher education is steepest among Republicans, down 33 points since 2015, compared with 18 points among Democrats and 9 points among independents,” Gallup said.
The survey also found that 43% of college graduates continue to have confidence in higher education, compared to those without a four-year college degree (35%).
When asked why respondents had such low expectations, Gallup listed the top three reasons.
Most Americans (31%) perceived a political agenda on college campuses. 30% said a college education is too expensive, and 25% said colleges do not adequately prepare students for the workforce.
