Americans Sour on College Degrees as Standards Decline

Polls show majority of Americans believe college degrees are not worth the cost as educational standards have dropped.

Mar. 24, 2026 at 7:00am

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A recent poll found that just 24% of Americans believe college degrees are worth the cost, with even 49% of college-educated respondents saying it's not worth the expense. This reflects a broader trend over the past decade, as polls have shown a significant majority of Americans have soured on higher education. The author argues this is due to the destruction of educational standards, with colleges lowering admission requirements and graduation standards, while tuition costs have skyrocketed.

Why it matters

The decline in perceived value of college degrees reflects broader concerns about the quality of higher education and whether it is delivering on the promise of increased earning potential and career opportunities. As standards have dropped, the signal a college degree sends to employers has been diminished, raising questions about the return on investment for students and families.

The details

The author cites data showing that in 1970, the average cost of public college was under $400 total, compared to over $10,400 today. At private colleges, average tuition has risen from just over $1,700 to nearly $40,000. This dramatic increase in costs, combined with lower admission and graduation standards, has led to a perception that college degrees are no longer worth the investment.

  • In 2010, 75% of Americans said a college education was very important, according to a Gallup poll.
  • In 2025, the number had plummeted to 35%.

The players

Victor Joecks

A columnist for the Las Vegas Review-Journal and host of the Sharpening Arrows podcast.

Hillsdale College

An excellent college that the author cites as maintaining high standards.

New Saint Andrews College

Another college the author mentions as maintaining high standards.

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What they’re saying

“Without standards, college degrees aren't worth much. Americans have started to notice.”

— Victor Joecks

The takeaway

This trend highlights the need for colleges and universities to re-examine their admission and graduation standards in order to restore the value and prestige of a college degree. Maintaining high academic rigor is essential to ensuring college remains a worthwhile investment for students and families.