63% of Voters Say College Degree Not Worth Cost

Nearly two-thirds of American registered voters now believe a four-year college degree is not worth the cost, according to a recent NBC News poll, marking a sharp reversal in public opinion over the past decade amid rising tuition and concerns over job prospects and debt.

The survey, conducted October 24 to 28 among 1,000 registered voters through telephone interviews and online text messages, carries a margin of error of plus or minus 3.1 percentage points. In it, 63 percent of respondents agreed that a four-year degree fails to justify its expense because graduates often lack specific job skills and carry substantial debt. Only 33 percent said it is worth the cost, citing improved chances for good jobs and higher lifetime earnings. This contrasts with 2017 findings, when opinions were nearly split at 49 percent worth it and 47 percent not, and a 2013 CNBC survey showing 53 percent in favor and 40 percent opposed.

The shift spans demographics but varies by party affiliation. Just 22 percent of Republicans viewed a degree as worthwhile, compared to 47 percent of Democrats, a steeper decline for Republicans from 55 percent in 2013. Among Democrats, support fell from 61 percent...