Americans embrace spending on higher ed, believe in its benefits

The public holds an overwhelmingly positive view of public spending on higher education in the U.S., and they believe American colleges and universities benefit both society-at-large and individual graduates, according to a new research brief from Teachers College, Columbia University. Researchers looked at three related issues through an online survey of adults: Americans' views towards public investment in higher education; perceived contributions of higher education to American society (a public good) and to graduates (a private benefit); and, attitudes towards public spending on 2‐ and 4‐year institutions.  

(Figure 2.2 above from: Americans views of higher education as a public and private good. New York: Teachers College, Columbia University)

More than three-quarters (76 percent) of respondents said they believe public spending on higher ed in the U.S. has been a good or excellent investment, although there were varying levels of support among different groups. (See figure above.) When asked about five possible contributions to society, 83 percent of respondents said higher education institutions contributed to scientific advances, 76 percent to graduates’ personal enrichment and growth, 73 percent found it contributed to national prosperity and development, and 61 percent thought it contributed to graduates’ civic participation. A majority of respondents (61 percent) also said they would support increasing governmental spending on post-secondary education.