This Gallup and Lumina Foundation report explores a tension at the center of higher education: many Americans believe college is valuable, but many also believe it costs too much. The report draws on the 2025 State of Higher Education survey of adults without a college degree, including current students, adults who stopped out and adults who never enrolled.
The report finds that most adults without a degree still see value in higher education, especially for getting a good job. More than half say bachelor’s and associate degrees are very valuable, and many believe college pays off within 10 years. Current students are also generally confident that their degree or credential will help them gain job-related skills and improve their career options.
At the same time, cost remains a major barrier. Few adults without a degree believe four-year colleges charge fair prices, and tuition is one of the most common reasons people question whether to enroll. The report argues that colleges must pay attention not only to whether students value college, but also to whether they can afford to start and finish.
The report is important because it shows that public concern about college costs does not necessarily mean people have given up on higher education. Instead, it suggests colleges and policymakers need to make the value of programs clearer, connect learning to careers and reduce financial barriers that keep people from pursuing credentials.