Archive · 29 Nov 2025
Americans Debate College Degree Worth
A lot of Americans are talking about whether going to college for four years is worth the money.
A recent poll found that only 33% of people think it's worth the cost, while 63% think it's not.
They say college is too expensive and doesn't always teach the right skills for jobs.
A few years ago, more people thought college was worth it, but now, with prices going up, fewer people agree.
Some experts say that many students end up with degrees that don't help them get good jobs or they pay too much for their education.
There's also a problem with young people finding jobs because many are just starting their careers or graduating from college.
33% of Americans believe a four-year college degree is worth the cost, while 63% disagree.
Rising costs and lack of specific job skills are major concerns.
In 2017, 49% thought a degree was worth the cost, compared to 47% who didn't.
In 2013, 53% believed a degree was worth it, while 40% disagreed.
Experts note that some degrees are not valuable in the job market and students often pay too much.
- Who
- Americans, specifically 1,000 registered voters surveyed by NBC
- What
- Debate on the value of a four-year college degree
- When
- Poll conducted between October 24 and 28
- Where
- United States
- Why
- Rising costs and perceived lack of job skills
- Poll Conducted By
- NBC
- Poll Sample Size
- 1,000 registered voters
- Poll Dates
- October 24-28
- Percentage Worth Cost
- 33%
- Percentage Not Worth Cost
- 63%
- 2017 Worth Percentage
- 49%
- 2017 Not Worth Percentage
- 47%
- 2013 Worth Percentage
- 53%
- 2013 Not Worth Percentage
- 40%