Understanding the Crisis of Confidence in Higher Education

The Declining Trend in Public Confidence

Higher Education has a reputation crisis. Public confidence in higher education is declining dramatically. In 2015, a Gallup poll revealed that the vast majority of Americans expressed a great deal of confidence in higher education, with only 10% reporting little to no confidence.

By 2024, public confidence shifted significantly: only about a third maintained a great deal of confidence, while a startling 33% now held little to no confidence. This mirrors a broader trend of declining trust in American institutions.

Dr. Drumm McNaughton and Dr. Courtney Brown, Vice President of Impact and Planning for the Lumina Foundation, discuss the causes and solutions to declining public confidence in higher education. They also explore the evolving demographics of higher education students, with a significant portion being non-traditional learners balancing work, family, and education. Finally, the conversation proposes solutions, emphasizing the need for increased transparency, improved student support services, and a reevaluation of faculty roles to better meet the needs of today's students.

Key Points Covered in This Podcast:

Reasons for Declining Confidence in Higher Education

The latest Lumina-Gallup study on public confidence in higher education identifies three primary drivers:

1. Political bias: 41% of respondents lacking confidence cited concerns that colleges are too liberal, attempting to indoctrinate students.
   
   
2. Lack of relevant skills: Over a third criticized higher education for failing to impart skills directly applicable to the workforce, leaving graduates struggling to find employment.
   
   
3. Affordability: Just under 30% expressed concern about rising tuition costs and high debt levels.

 

Shifting Demographics and Needs

Traditional student demographics no longer represent the majority.

• Over a third of students are over 25.
• Over half are students of color.
• 78% work, with a third employed full-time.
• 20% have dependents.
• 44% are financially independent.
  
  

Solving the Higher Ed Confidence Crisis: A Call for Change

Higher education institutions need to adapt to the changing demographics and address the concerns driving declining confidence and reputation while discerning temporary spin from the true concerns of students and the underlying issues.

The Stop-Out Numbers

• Over 42 million Americans started college but, for various reasons, did not finish. This suggests systemic issues within higher education that need to be addressed to better serve students.
  
  

Confidence Gap

• While 54% of Americans hold post-secondary credentials, 33% have little or no confidence in higher education.
  
  
• This suggests a disconnect between the perceived value of education and the experiences of many degree holders.
  
  

Value and Transparency

• Despite the concerns, over 90% of respondents still believe that at least one post-secondary credential has value, but trust in the system’s ability to deliver is low.
  
  
• 75% believe a college degree is as important or more important today than it was 20 years ago.
  
  
• Transparency in costs and the career value of degrees is a high priority to restoring trust.
  
  
• There is a need for greater transparency regarding both the true cost of college and the career pathways associated with specific credentials.
  
  

Workforce Alignment

• Public concerns about graduates lacking job-ready skills highlight the need for stronger connections between institutions and industries.
  
  
• Partnerships for internships, externships, and mentorships should be prioritized.
  
  

Partisan Divide

• Republicans primarily cite political bias as the reason for their declining confidence, while Democrats focus on affordability.
  
  

The Demographic Cliff

• The number of high school graduates is projected to decline sharply in 2025-26, forcing institutions to re-evaluate their business models and focus on attracting and serving adult learners.
  
  

Key Takeaways for Higher Ed Presidents, Boards, and Executive Leaders

• Listen: Actively engage with current, former, and potential students to understand their needs and experiences.
  
  
• Adapt: Re-evaluate institutional structures, offerings, and support services to better serve today's diverse student population.
  
  
• Increase Transparency: Provide clear and accessible information about costs and career pathways.
  
  
• Rethink Faculty Roles: Value and reward teaching, mentorship, and community engagement alongside research.
  
  
• Embrace Partnerships: Collaborate with employers to offer relevant work-based learning opportunities and build stronger connections to local workforce needs.
  
  

Final Thoughts

The declining confidence in higher education presents a significant challenge, but it also creates an opportunity for transformation. By listening to student needs, adapting to evolving demographics, and prioritizing transparency and relevancy, institutions can rebuild trust and ensure that higher education remains a valuable pathway to opportunity for all.

Last week's podcast with Sophie Nguyen and Kevin Carey with New America discussed their research on what Americans really think about higher ed, which looks at the public confidence and perception crisis from a different angle. 

#HigherEducation #HigherEdPodcast #ValueOfHigherEd

Read the transcript on our website: https://changinghighered.com/the-crisis-of-confidence-in-higher-education/

 

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About Our Guest

Dr. Courtney Brown is the Vice President of Strategic Impact and Planning at Lumina Foundation, the nation’s largest private foundation focused specifically on increasing Americans’ postsecondary success. As the Foundation’s chief data and research officer, Brown oversees the Foundation’s efforts in the areas of strategic planning, research, evaluation, data, and learning. She also leads Lumina’s international engagement efforts. Brown has decades of experience and is a frequent national speaker and writer on postsecondary data, evaluation, performance measurement, and strategic planning. Dr. Brown received her B.A. from James Madison University and M.A. and Ph.D. from the University of Virginia.

Courtney Brown on LinkedIn →

About the Host

Dr. Drumm McNaughton is Principal Consultant and CEO of The Change Leader, Inc.—a highly sought-after higher education consultant with 20+ years of experience. Dr. McNaughton works with leadership, management, and boards of both U.S. and international institutions. His expertise spans key areas, including accreditation, governance, strategic planning, presidential onboarding, mergers, acquisitions, and strategic alliances.

Dr. McNaughton’s approach combines a holistic methodology with a deep understanding of the contemporary and evolving challenges facing higher education institutions worldwide to ensure his clients succeed in their mission.

Connect with Drumm McNaughton on LinkedIn →

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