Report: Cost Is Most Important Factor For Students When Deciding to Enroll
Maria Carrasco
June 4, 2026
While adults continue to link college degrees to career success, cost remains an important factor for students when they select an institution, and many adults don’t believe students have access to quality, affordable education after high school, a new report from the Gallup and Lumina Foundation found.
The State of Higher Education, an annual report from Gallup and Lumina Foundation, surveyed over 14,000 U.S. adults from ages 18-59 who do not have a college degree who either are currently enrolled students, stopped-out adults who were previously enrolled at an institution or certification but did complete it, and adults who have never enrolled in a degree or program.
The survey aims to measure these adults’ attitudes toward education and training after high school, their interest in pursuing a degree or credential, the barriers they face to enroll or complete a program, and the experience of currently enrolled students.
