• Non-degree holding adults still value higher education, especially bachelor's and graduate degrees, and industry certifications.
• Financial concerns, mental health challenges, and lack of program flexibility are major barriers to enrollment and completion.
• Institutions and policymakers need to address non-academic barriers and reinforce the link between credentials and meaningful employment.

A recent report from Gallup and Lumina Foundation surveyed nearly 14,000 adults to assess the perceived value and barriers to higher education among individuals without degrees. The findings indicate that while a majority still view postsecondary education as essential for career advancement, numerous challenges, including financial constraints, emotional stress, mental health concerns, and the need for flexible learning options, hinder their ability to enroll and complete programs. The report emphasizes the importance of addressing these non-academic barriers to improve retention and degree attainment.

• What: A survey reveals attitudes towards higher education, enrollment intentions, and barriers to completion among adults without college degrees.
• Who: Gallup and Lumina Foundation conducted the survey. Participants included nearly 14,000 U.S. adults aged 18-59 without a college degree.
• When: The survey was conducted in October 2024, as part of the annual State of Higher Education study.
• Where: The survey focused on U.S. adults and their perceptions of higher education in the United States.

The study highlights a persistent belief in the value of higher education among American adults, even amidst rising costs and increasing skepticism. The findings underscore the critical need for institutions and policymakers to address non-academic barriers like mental health and financial stress, which significantly impact enrollment and completion rates. The demographic disparities in enrollment likelihood and withdrawal considerations further emphasize the importance of tailored support and resources for diverse student populations. Alternative pathways, such as industry certifications and community college, may become increasingly relevant if traditional bachelor's degrees remain unaffordable or inaccessible.

The consistent link between perceived value and career outcomes underscores the importance of affordability, flexibility and student support—especially for those balancing work, caregiving or mental health struggles.

If people think it’s valuable, they’re going to still go after it. They may hem and haw, say, ‘Is this really worth it? Do I have the money? Why can’t I surmount the barriers?’ But we haven’t seen a widespread exodus away from higher education as a result of that, and that’s a testimony to the belief and the value of the credential itself.

While American adults continue to recognize the value of higher education, significant barriers to entry and completion persist. Financial constraints, mental health challenges, and the need for flexible learning options remain critical concerns. Addressing these issues through targeted support services, affordable alternatives, and flexible program designs is essential for improving access and success in higher education.