In less than six months, Gallup released two polls that captured very different stories about #HigherEd. The first, in July 2025, brought good news: public trust in U.S. higher education was rising.t was not a huge leap, but it was definitely going in the right direction, as 42% of Americans expressed “a great deal” or “quite a lot” of confidence in higher education. A six point increase (from 36%) when polled in 2023–2024. With respondents to the poll (who spanned across political party lines, gender and other identities) citing quality, innovation and training/competency development as drivers.
Then, in September, things took a turn. The new poll showed a record low in how Americans view the value of higher education. Only 35% said college is “very important,” down from 53% in 2019 and 75% in 2010. Once again, the outcomes cut across various identity lines. Respondents highlighted rising costs, AI related issues, and the saturation of alternative credentials as contributing to their feelings.
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