Americans Devalue College, Parents Too

Gallup finds just 35% of adults now call college 'very important,' down from 75% in 2010; 24% say it’s 'not too important,' up from 4%. Parents of minors mirror these views (38% very important), suggesting near‑term enrollment and policy headwinds. — Broad skepticism—including among parents—signals a legitimacy crisis for the traditional degree pathway and accelerates demand for alternatives (vocational training, certificates, unbundled instruction).