A new NBC News poll finds that 63% of U.S. voters now say a four-year bachelor’s degree isn’t worth the cost.
Poll Results
- 63% of Americans believe a bachelor’s degree no longer justifies its price.
- Even among college graduates, confidence is slipping:
Only 46% say their degree was worth it, down from 63% in 2013.
Historical Shift
Just a decade ago, most Americans viewed a college degree as a reliable path to better jobs and higher lifetime earnings. Today, that perception has changed dramatically.
Why the Change?
The skepticism crosses political lines—though the drop is steepest among Republicans—and reflects growing concerns about:
- Rising tuition costs
- Crippling student debt
- Uncertain job returns
These factors have eroded the traditional belief that college = upward mobility.
The Big Picture
What was once considered a “safe bet” for success—a four-year degree—is now seen by two-thirds of Americans as a gamble that may no longer pay off.
