This country is in a crisis of confidence in our higher education system.
At least 70 percent of working-age people in the U.S. will need a degree or other quality credential beyond high school by 2031 to fulfill labor market needs, according to a recent study by the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce. Currently, the U.S. is only at 54.3 percent. The vast majority of Americans understand the importance of education beyond high school and say having at least one credential beyond high school is very valuable, as detailed in the Lumina Gallup State of Higher Education Report 2024. Yet, there’s a growing disillusionment with higher education’s ability to deliver on these educational promises.
Recent Gallup data paints a grim picture: Americans are now almost evenly split in their confidence in higher education, with approximately one-third expressing a lot of confidence, one-third some confidence, and one-third very little confidence. This shift from 58 percent high confidence in 2015 to just 36 percent and, more alarming, the shift from only 10 percent having little or no confidence in 2015 to 32 percent today underscores a significant loss of faith in what was once considered a cornerstone of American success.
This waning confidence is not unfounded. The soaring costs associated with obtaining a degree and the increased levels of student debt have only added to the skepticism, leaving many to question the value of a college education relative to its financial burden. Moreover, many Americans, particularly from conservative backgrounds, express concerns that higher education is veering too far into political territory, focusing excessively on liberal agendas rather than equipping students with the practical skills needed for the workforce.
The impact of these sentiments is visible in the national discourse and reflected in the actions of potential students and their families. Enrollment numbers have been declining for the last 10 years, and the statistics for “some college, no degree” are rising—now close to 42 million. This represents not just a loss of confidence but also a loss of opportunity for millions of Americans who begin but do not complete their higher education.
The question of the relevance of education is inherent across these factors affecting confidence. As industries evolve at a breakneck pace, there is a growing disconnect between what is taught in classrooms and the skills demanded in the workplace. This misalignment suggests that institutions must adapt dynamically to changing industry standards and technological advancements. It is also about how education is delivered. Our current system is set up to best serve students from decades ago who came straight out of high school and were still dependent on their parents. Instead, the system needs to rapidly evolve into one that serves the growing body of students who are more likely to be older, work part- or full-time, are independent of their parents, care for dependents, and are racially and ethnically more diverse than ever.
How can we restore confidence in higher education? The solution lies in a concerted effort to align educational outcomes with labor market demands. This means ensuring that a high-quality curriculum includes practical vocational skills and high critical thinking and problem-solving skills that are universally applicable.
Additionally, it is imperative to address the affordability crisis in higher education. Making higher education more accessible through increased financial aid, more flexible learning schedules for working students, and robust support systems for those who return to school while managing other responsibilities can significantly reverse the declining enrollment trend.
Finally, transparency is key. Institutions must be clear about the outcomes their programs deliver, ensuring that students understand the return on their investment in terms of employment opportunities and earning potential. This kind of transparency not only aids students in making informed decisions but also holds educational institutions accountable for their offerings.
While these challenges facing higher education are significant, they are not insurmountable. With strategic reforms, higher education in the U.S. can regain its stature and continue to serve as a beacon of opportunity and advancement. As a nation, we cannot afford to let a crisis of confidence undermine the potential of our next generation. The time for action and reform is now to ensure that our education system is valued and trusted as a reliable pathway to personal and national prosperity.