ACE Finds Public Sees Higher Ed Role in New Economy

The importance of attaining a higher education resonates with more than three-fourths of Americans today, according to the biennial survey Attitudes toward Public Higher Education, conducted by the American Council of Education. However, the survey points out most people are concerned that future state budget cuts could threaten the educational quality of institutions and limit the economic benefits they provide. 



Key findings include: 

• Nearly 90 percent of the 700 adults surveyed feel that it is "very important" (76 percent) or "fairly important" (13 percent) to have good public colleges and universities in order to have a well-trained workforce in a state. Other economic benefits of good public institutions cited include enabling states to be technologically competitive (85 percent); enhancing research and technology in a state (85 percent); and creating jobs (83 percent). 
• Respondents also understand the direct connection between state budgets and the financial stability of public colleges and universities (76 percent ). They express "a great deal" of concern that cuts in state funding could result in a decline in the quality of education at institutions (77 percent), reduce financial aid (64 percent), or result in fewer classes and majors offered (52 percent). 
• Sixty-nine percent of the respondents say that if their governor and legislature were looking for ways to cut state spending, they would oppose reducing funding for public colleges and universities. 

The findings are backed up in part by Census Bureau statistics revealing the annual income for a person with a college degree is more than 80 percent higher than for a high school graduate: see: http://www.collegeboard.com/press/cost01/html/exhibit6.html 

More information, including a link to the report can be found at: http://www.acenet.edu