For increasing numbers of Americans, a crucial facet of the American Dream appears to be at risk. A solid majority consider a college degree an indispensable ticket to the middle class. At the same time, even more people believe college is financially out-of-reach for many qualified students. This is the message from new public opinion research by…

For increasing numbers of Americans, a fundamental element of the American Dream appears to be at risk. A solid majority consider a college degree an indispensable ticket to the middle class, while even more people believe college is financially out-of-reach for many qualified students. The authors of this report advocate that findings have…

As part of a broader national effort, 509 Floridians statewide responded to a survey of attitudes toward higher education in 2000. In many ways, the attitudes of Floridians are similar to those of respondents to a national survey. The four conclusions emerging from this research are supported by national findings: (1) Floridians believe that…

As part of a broader national effort, 500 New Yorkers statewide responded to a survey of attitudes toward higher education in 2000. In many ways, the attitudes of New Yorkers are similar to those of respondents to a national survey. The four conclusions emerging from this research are supported by national findings: (1) New Yorkers believe that…

As part of a broader national effort, 501 Illinois residents statewide responded to a survey of attitudes toward higher education in 2000. In addition, a focus group was held with African American parents in Chicago. In many ways, the attitudes of residents of Illinois are strikingly similar to those of respondents to a national survey. The four…

In early 2003, Public Agenda surveyed 503 Californians statewide to determine their attitudes toward higher education. In addition, two focus groups were held in Santa Clara, California. Statewide surveys had also been conducted in 1993 and 1996. In many ways, the attitudes of Californians were similar to those of respondents to a national survey.…

As part of a broader national effort, 501 Coloradans statewide responded to a survey of attitudes toward higher education in 2000. In many ways, the attitudes of Coloradans are strikingly similar to those of respondents to a national survey. The four conclusions emerging from this research are supported by national findings: (1) Coloradans believe…

Traditionally, the United States higher education system has been the envy of the world for its high quality, accessibility to millions of Americans, ability to train generations of skilled workers, and its contribution to creating the vast American middle class. Today, however, higher education is experiencing new pressures. A new generation of…

A survey of 601 leaders was conducted to identify the concerns of those who are most involved with decision making about higher education and what they see for the future. Individuals surveyed included professors, higher education deans and administrators, government officials, and business leaders. The study found that disagreements between…

This report presents findings of a telephone survey of 700 Americans nationwide concerning their attitudes about the importance of a higher education. Closed-ended interviews with all respondents were supplemented by in-depth follow-up interviews with some of the respondents; responses from this survey were compared to those from a similar survey…

Public Agenda has compiled this review of survey research on the affordability of higher education. Relevant survey findings from research conducted by Public Agenda and by other organizations were reviewed and two focus groups were conducted in Philadelphia, one with members of the general public and one with parents of high school and college…

This study reports the results of confidential, in-depth interviews with 29 business, education, and community leaders in California to determine their attitudes toward the higher education needs of the state. The interviews examined areas of consensus and controversy in many facets of higher education policy. The most important findings included:…

This report summarizes the views and attitudes toward higher education of 43 leaders from Detroit (Michigan), Memphis (Tennessee), Cherry Hill (New Jersey), and San Antonio (Texas). The study found that the leaders' views were nearly opposite of those held by the American public as reported in two related publications. These community leaders know…

In an effort to refute the claim that minority group parents do not value higher education as highly as other parents, this study surveyed 1,015 adults in the general public, as well as Hispanic (n=202), African American (n=202), and white (n=201) parents of high school students. Opinions centered around the following: (1) higher education is…