College Promise Seen as Broken by Many

Declining confidence in the value of a college degree as costs rise and job prospects remain uncertain

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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A growing number of Americans believe that the long-held promise of a college degree leading to a secure, high-paying job is no longer reliable. Rising tuition costs, mounting student debt, and uncertain job prospects have eroded public confidence in the value of higher education, with many questioning whether the investment is worth the cost.

Why it matters

The declining faith in the 'college promise' has significant implications for both individuals and institutions. Fewer students are enrolling in college, leaving universities struggling to find funding, while many graduates are delaying major life milestones due to debt. This crisis of credibility in higher education reflects broader economic challenges facing students and the workforce.

The details

According to research, only 22% of U.S. adults believe college is worth taking on student loans, and nearly half think a degree is less important for securing a well-paying job than it was 20 years ago. The main driver is the skyrocketing cost of tuition, which can exceed $500,000 for a bachelor's degree when accounting for all expenses. Even with financial aid, many students graduate with tens of thousands in debt, forcing them to delay major life events. Additionally, the payoff varies greatly based on factors like graduation timeline and field of study, with at least a quarter of graduates not earning enough over their lifetime to justify the degree cost.

  • College enrollment has declined from about 18 million students in 2010 to 15.5 million today.

The players

Zaariya Bajwa

A third-year student in the School of Arts and Sciences majoring in criminal justice and sociology who wrote a column on this topic.

PEW Research

A nonpartisan American think tank that conducts public opinion surveys and demographic studies.

Federal Reserve Bank of New York

The regional Federal Reserve bank responsible for the Second District, which includes New York state, northern New Jersey, and Puerto Rico.

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What they’re saying

“At one point in time, a large majority of people viewed college as extremely valuable, but now, far fewer do.”

— Zaariya Bajwa, Student (The Daily Targum)

The takeaway

The broken promise of college as a reliable path to economic security has significant implications, both for individuals struggling with debt and uncertainty, as well as for higher education institutions facing declining enrollment and funding challenges. Addressing the root causes of rising costs, uneven returns, and structural inequities in the college system will be crucial to restoring public confidence in the value of a degree.