Americans without degrees still believe in the value of colleges, a new poll finds

This is the case with 22-year-old interviewer Sophia Ladios, who is studying for forensic science and criminal justice at a local community college in Palatine, Illinois.

“It’s just taking you to another level, and on my career criminal justice path, that doesn’t limit me to a certain position,” she said. “If I had a four-year bachelor’s degree, what I could get is that I could test to be a lieutenant or commander in a certain department of the police department.”

She said part of her dream of getting a bachelor’s degree came from her family.

“Growing up, I was taught to pursue the value of a four-year degree because neither of my parents had finished college,” she said. “I still value the degree to which I earned that bachelor’s degree, not just sticking to an assistant.”

Most participants believe the university will pay back within five years

When asked about the financial gains from higher education, 58% of all respondents said that the university would repay within five years of graduation, and nearly 90% said it would pay back in 10 years or less. For respondents who spent their time in college, whether they took out student loans or not.

“People do think they’re going to get a return on their investment,” Brown said. “For me, it’s a great way.”

Part of this confidence seems to come from what’s going on inside the university classroom: 72% of respondents currently taking a bachelor’s degree program said the quality of education was “good” or “very good”, while 65% of people in the class plan said the same.

Only half of the respondents at the university said they were “very confident” because the university teaches them the skills related to work and helps them find the job they love to do.

Associate degree is easier to obtain

Americans without a college degree seem to be more satisfied with the cost of community college. 40% of colleges say two-year colleges charge “fair prices” while 18% say the same thing to four-year colleges.

On average, the cost of a two-year program is significantly less than four years, and community college campuses are usually located near where students live.

“It’s a really practical choice people make,” said Bridget Strickler of the Adult and Experiential Learning Committee.

Strickler works with adults who wish to pursue college for the first time, or return to earn a degree.

“I think these plans are great, and when people choose a two-year plan, people are making smart choices,” she said.

“This saves time and money, and that’s actually the name of the game.”