Americans are Losing Faith in Higher Education, But We Can Restore It With Honest Dialogue and United Action
Having spent nearly three decades of my 48 years immersed in higher education - first as a student, then as a professor - I've developed a deep appreciation for the role colleges and universities play in advancing individual and societal flourishing. However, this experience has also made me acutely aware of the serious challenges facing American higher education today.
Recent surveys paint a concerning picture of public sentiment. A Gallup poll shows only 36% of Americans have high confidence in higher education, down from 57% in 2015. Furthermore, 68% believe higher education is headed in the wrong direction. This growing dissatisfaction spans political divides, though it's most pronounced among Republicans. Among all Americans, the main concerns are perceptions of political agendas, irrelevant skills, and high costs. These concerns aren't limited to those without college experience; a Wall Street Journal-NORC poll found that 42% of college graduates reported that their degree wasn't worth it. Overall, 56% of Americans don't think a college degree is worth the cost.
Having witnessed the growth of these problems firsthand, I believe many of the public's concerns are warranted. Unfortunately, the discourse surrounding higher education has become part of our polarized culture wars, making meaningful progress difficult. Some right-wing critics exaggerate the prevalence of extreme left-wing activism on campuses, while left-leaning media often deny or ignore these issues, dismissing them as right-wing conspiracies. These are real problems, but it doesn't help to exaggerate or ignore them. It's also important to note that many problems in higher education have little or nothing to do with politics.
In light of these challenges, I'd like to share a recently published roundtable from Profectus, a magazine on human progress and flourishing that I co-edit. "Fixing Higher Education" brings together insights from diverse scholars, innovators, and leaders deeply involved in the higher education sector. Our contributors offer thought-provoking ideas and proposals, showcasing a range of potential paths forward.
While this roundtable represents only a small sample of voices, I hope it can inspire broader, productive conversations on addressing the different challenges higher education faces. I firmly believe that our colleges and universities can regain the faith of all Americans. It's important to note that college isn't for everyone, nor is it the only path to success or intellectual growth. The digital age has dramatically increased access to educational content. However, our institutions of higher learning still play a vital role in helping Americans pursue their educational and professional goals and in addressing broader societal challenges.
Although I no longer work directly in higher education, my current role as the Director of the Human Flourishing Lab at the Archbridge Institute, a think tank, keeps me closely connected to academia. A significant focus of my work involves collaborating with academics to bring their important research to a broader audience. Through this effort, we aim to extend the reach of scholarly discoveries that have the potential to advance individual and societal flourishing.
Let's move beyond merely complaining about the current state of higher education in America. Instead, let's commit to improving it. Our colleges and universities remain largely positive forces in our society, and with thoughtful reform, they can continue to be institutions that drive progress and flourishing for generations to come.
Have a great weekend!
Clay