American Perceptions of the Public and Private Benefit of Higher Education

• In Event: 61.027 - The Role of Higher Education in a Neoliberal Reality

Abstract

Scholars have paid little attention to public opinion towards higher education. Instead, much of the literature only captures the voice of those in academe in efforts to examine public or private good emphasis. This paper seeks to address this gap by exploring public views towards government spending on higher education, as well as public perceptions of the contribution of American higher education. Collectively, we found that an overwhelming majority of Americans believe higher education is an excellent or good investment of public funds, and that higher education benefits society through scientific advances, the encouragement of national prosperity and development, and civic participation. Findings also indicate that perceptions vary by political ideology, educational attainment, gender, and race.

Authors

• Jeree Matherson, Teachers College, Columbia University

• Noah Daniel Drezner, Teachers College, Columbia University

• Oren Pizmony Levy, Teachers College, Columbia University