Survey Explores How Colleges Rate Their Value Versus Cost
Ashley Mowreader
August 14, 2025
While most college administrators and support staff see value in higher education, the return on investment is clearest to two-year college stakeholders, a new study finds.
Growing public skepticism in higher education has fueled a number of polls and surveys aimed at understanding how families, students and taxpayers perceive the value of a college degree.
For instance, a majority of Americans believe at least one type of postsecondary credential holds value, according to a 2025 study by Gallup, and most parents want their kids to attend college. But few of those studies have looked at how colleges and universities see themselves improving students’ lives.
A new survey by Tyton Partners released Thursday found three in four college stakeholders strongly believe their institution’s education is worth the cost of tuition. However, two-year institutions were more likely to say this is true, compared to private universities.
