Understanding the Crisis of Confidence in Higher Education

The Declining Trend in Public Confidence

Higher Education has a reputation crisis. Public confidence in higher education is declining dramatically. In 2015, a Gallup poll revealed that the vast majority of Americans expressed a great deal of confidence in higher education, with only 10% reporting little to no confidence.

By 2024, public confidence shifted significantly: only about a third maintained a great deal of confidence, while a startling 33% now held little to no confidence. This mirrors a broader trend of declining trust in American institutions.

Dr. Drumm McNaughton and Dr. Courtney Brown, Vice President of Impact and Planning for the Lumina Foundation, discuss the causes and solutions to declining public confidence in higher education. They also explore the evolving demographics of higher education students, with a significant portion being non-traditional learners balancing work, family, and education. Finally, the conversation proposes solutions, emphasizing the need for increased transparency, improved student support services, and a reevaluation of faculty roles to better meet the needs of today's students.

Key Points Covered in This Podcast: Reasons for Declining Confidence in Higher Education

The latest Lumina-Gallup study on public confidence in higher education identifies three primary drivers:

1. Political bias: 41% of respondents lacking confidence cited concerns that colleges are too liberal, attempting to indoctrinate students.
2. Lack of relevant skills: Over a third criticized higher education for failing to impart skills directly applicable to the workforce, leaving graduates struggling to find employment.
3. Affordability: Just under 30% expressed concern about rising tuition costs and high debt levels.

Shifting Demographics and Needs

Traditional student demographics no longer represent the majority.

• Over a third of students are over 25.
• Over half are students of color.
• 78% work, with a third employed full-time.
• 20% have dependents.
• 44% are financially independent.

Solving the Higher Ed Confidence Crisis: A Call for Change

Higher education institutions need to adapt to the changing demographics and address the concerns driving declining confidence and reputation while discerning temporary spin from the true concerns of students and the underlying issues.

The Stop-Out Numbers

• Over 42 million Americans started college but, for various reasons, did not finish. This suggests systemic issues within higher education that need to be addressed to better serve students.

Confidence Gap

• While 54% of Americans hold post-secondary credentials, 33% have little or no confidence in higher education.
• This suggests a disconnect between the perceived value of education and the experiences of many degree holders.

Value and Transparency

• Despite the concerns, over 90% of respondents still believe that at least one post-secondary credential has value, but trust in the system’s ability to deliver is low.
• 75% believe a college degree is as important or more important today than it was 20 years ago.
• Transparency in costs and the career value of degrees is a high priority to restoring trust.
• There is a need for greater transparency regarding both the true cost of college and the career pathways associated with specific credentials.

Workforce Alignment

• Public concerns about graduates lacking job-ready skills highlight the need for stronger connections between institutions and industries.
• Partnerships for internships, externships, and mentorships should be prioritized.

Partisan Divide

• Republicans primarily cite political bias as the re