Gallup released two significant surveys in September 2025 detailing shifting public attitudes toward education in the United States. One poll examined how adults value higher education, while the other assessed satisfaction with K-12 schooling. Both studies indicated historic lows in confidence and perceived importance.
The first survey was conducted between 1 and 20 August 2025. It revealed that 35 percent of U.S. adults believe higher education or completing a college degree is very important. Gallup analysis further revealed that this current figure marked a historic decline from 53 percent in 2019. Note that the figure was 70 percent in 2014 and 75 percent in 2010.
Specifically, among parents of children under 18 years of age, the survey further showed that 38 percent described college as very important, 40 percent called it somewhat important, and 21 percent said it is not too important. Note that Democrats, college graduates, and people of color showed higher support, but less than half remained strongly positive.
Another survey was conducted during the same period, but focused on perception toward primary and secondary education in the U.S. The poll revealed that only 35 percent expressed satisfaction with the quality of K-12 education. 70 percent reported complete satisfaction, and 28 percent reported satisfaction. 62 percent were dissatisfied.
It is also worth mentioning that only 2 percent of the surveyed participants considered schools and schooling in general as excellent for preparing students for careers in the future. 19 percent rated good and 78 percent rated fair or poor. College preparation received slightly higher evaluations. This is indicative of growing distrust toward American education.
Gallup linked declining satisfaction and importance ratings to falling reading and mathematics scores reported by the National Assessment of Educational Progress and increasing attention to student disengagement. Researchers also noted concern about tuition costs, political influence, artificial intelligence, and alternative credential pathways.