U.S. Public Confidence in Higher Education: What It Is and What It Should Be

Abstract

In the United States of America, negative public sentiments toward higher education by adults is an emerging phenomenon. Unfortunately, this concern seems to be in contrast to the benefits due to higher education that an overwhelming majority of the population enjoys. The purpose of this brief commentary is to highlight some of the pervasive benefits due to higher education experienced by the adult population that are enjoyed by many U.S. inhabitants—young or old, with or without a college education—that should serve as a foundation to furthering the premise that higher education continues to be an essential catalyst and facilitator of the high standard of living experienced by the U.S. citizenry. In light of these benefits, public confidence in higher education should be at an all-time high due to these myriad, pervasive benefits; thus, proponents of higher education should do a better job educating the general public in this regard in order to improve public sentiment, increase political support, and decrease both public and political interference.