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Nearly Two-Thirds of Americans Say Four-Year College Degrees Aren't Worth the Cost

A recent national survey reports that nearly two-thirds of Americans now believe four-year college degrees are not worth the cost. Only 33% of registered voters said a degree guarantees better job prospects and higher lifetime earnings, while 63% cited debt and a lack of job-specific skills as reasons to doubt the value. The shift from earlier polls in 2017 and 2013 coincides with rising college costs—about $58,600 for tuition, fees, room and board at a private four-year college in 2024–25—and reflects broad-based skepticism across demographic groups.

08:11 AM, 11/30/2025Society
Nearly Two-Thirds of Americans Say Four-Year College Degrees Aren't Worth the Cost

A recent national survey finds growing skepticism about the value of four-year college degrees: roughly two-thirds of Americans now say those degrees are not worth the financial cost.

When asked whether a four-year degree is "worth the cost because people have a better chance to get a good job and earn more money over their lifetime," only 33% of registered voters agreed. By contrast, 63% of respondents said a four-year degree is "not worth the cost because people often graduate without specific job skills and with a large amount of debt to pay off."

The change in public opinion is notable compared with earlier surveys. In 2017, opinion was nearly evenly divided: 49% said a degree was worth the cost and 47% disagreed. An earlier 2013 survey showed 53% viewed a degree as a worthwhile investment while 40% did not.

Costs remain a major factor in the shift. Average tuition and fees plus room and board at a four-year private college were about $58,600 for the 2024–2025 academic year, putting significant financial pressure on students and families.

Jeff Horwitt of Hart Research Associates, a Democratic pollster involved in the survey, described the change as "remarkable," noting that skepticism has increased across groups: "What is really surprising about it is that everybody has moved. It’s not just people who don’t have a college degree."

Experts say the trend could prompt more students to weigh alternatives such as community colleges, vocational training, apprenticeships, or entering the workforce directly. The debate over return on investment for higher education is likely to influence policy discussions and family decisions about college for years to come.

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