Growing share of Americans say the U.S. higher education system is headed in the wrong direction

Declining Confidence in US Higher Education

A growing share of Americans believe the US higher education system is headed in the wrong direction.

According to a new Pew Research Center survey, 70% of Americans say the higher education system is going in the wrong direction, up from 56% in 2020.

The Trump administration has proposed policy changes for universities in exchange for federal funds.

This shift in public opinion comes as the administration takes high-profile actions related to colleges and universities.

Author's summary: Americans' confidence in higher education declines.

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Pew Research Center Pew Research Center — 2025-10-15