This Gallup and Lumina Foundation report gives a broad look at how Americans without college degrees view higher education in 2026. It finds that many adults still believe college degrees and credentials are important for career success, but fewer people believe quality, affordable education after high school is truly within reach.
The report is based on surveys of more than 14,000 adults ages 18 to 59 without a college degree, including current students, adults who started but did not finish and adults who never enrolled. It also includes perspectives from college alumni and employers. Together, the findings show that people continue to see higher education as valuable, especially for job opportunities, but they face serious barriers to enrolling and completing.
Money is one of the biggest barriers. Financial pressures affect whether people enroll, where they enroll and whether they stay. The report also finds that emotional stress and mental health challenges remain major reasons current students consider stopping out, while student debt continues to delay major life decisions for many graduates.
The report matters because it shows that the public has not lost faith in higher education. The challenge is access. Colleges, employers and policymakers need to make credentials more affordable, strengthen student supports and reduce the debt and stress that make college feel out of reach for many people.