So, like, this new survey by the Lumina Foundation and Gallup talked to about 14,000 peeps between 18 and 59 who don’t have degrees. And guess what? Turns out most of them think getting a degree, whether an associate or bachelor’s, is worth it. Crazy, right? But get this, only 18% of non-degree-holders in the U.S. think four-year colleges charge a “fair” price. Ouch.
The survey, done last October, included all sorts of folks like current students and those who dropped out of college. And even though the overall vibe about college degrees has dropped about 5% in the last year, peeps of all ages, races, and political leanings still think having a degree is the way to go. Courtney Brown from the Lumina Foundation, who’s all about this survey, says peeps know degrees open doors to better jobs and a better life. But here’s the kicker – it’s getting harder to actually get that degree. Bummer.
And check this out – not all degrees are seen the same way. While 70% of those without a degree think a bachelor’s degree is super valuable, only 55% feel the same about an associate degree. Sophia Ladios, a 22-year-old studying forensic science and criminal justice at a community college, plans to transfer to a university for a bachelor’s in biological sciences. She’s all about that bachelor’s degree life because it’ll take her career to a whole new level. Plus, she wants to make her family proud since her parents never finished college.
When asked about the moolah payoff from going to college, 58% of those surveyed think college will pay off within five years after graduation. And nearly 90% believe it’ll pay off in 10 years or less. That’s pretty optimistic, don’t ya think? Even those with student loans are feeling hopeful about that return on investment. Brown finds this belief surprising in a good way. Peeps seem to have confidence in what’s happening in college classrooms, with 72% of those in bachelor’s programs saying the education quality is top-notch, while 65% of those in associate programs agree.
Oh, and get this – nearly half of those currently in college are super confident they’ll learn job-related skills and land a job they love. That’s the dream, right? And it seems like peeps without a degree feel more chill about the cost of community colleges. About 40% think two-year colleges are priced right, while only 18% say the same about four-year colleges. Two-year programs are way cheaper than four-year ones, and they’re usually close to home. Bridgett Strickler from the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning thinks that’s a smart move, especially if it lines up with the local job scene.
So, peeps are making practical choices by going the two-year route. It saves them time and money, and that’s what it’s all about, right? So, if you’re thinking about college but not really sure where to start, maybe look into those two-year programs near you. Who knows, it could be the game-changer you’ve been waiting for.
