Rising tuition, student debt, and a weakening job market have fueled doubts about college education’s value|InSWeT|CC BY-SA 2.0

The share of Americans who view college as “very important” has dropped sharply in the past decade, according to a new Gallup poll.

Rising tuition, student debt, and a weakening job market have fueled doubts about the value of a college education.

Even with concerns about AI replacing white-collar jobs, skilled trades like plumbing and electrical work are becoming more attractive to Gen Z.

Political views also play a role. Just 20% of Republicans now say college is very important, down from 68% in 2013. Among Democrats, that number fell from 83% to 42%.

Still, college graduates earn significantly more. Median household income for degree holders hit $132,700 last year—more than double that of a household led by high school grads.

Experts say college still pays off, even if confidence is fading.