Just 12% of U.S. adults say four-year colleges and universities are doing an excellent or good job providing an affordable education, according to a new Gallup poll conducted in partnership with the Lumina Foundation.
The survey, released this week, found that 63% of respondents rate four-year institutions as doing a poor job on affordability—the lowest mark among seven attributes measured.
Gallup Poll Findings
The Gallup-Lumina survey of 2,043 U.S. adults, conducted June 1-15, 2026, asked respondents to rate four-year colleges on multiple factors. Affordability ranked lowest, with only 4% calling performance excellent and 8% good.
Other ratings included 53% excellent or good for finding new discoveries, 50% for providing a quality education, 45% for access for people from all backgrounds, 39% for preparing students for technological advances such as AI, 38% for promoting free speech, and 32% for workforce preparation.
Two-year colleges received higher marks on affordability, with 54% rating them excellent or good. Despite the criticism of costs, 74% of parents of children under 18 said they prefer some form of postsecondary education for their child after high school. Among those not preferring a four-year college, cost and affordability were the most frequently cited reasons.
Department of Education Response
In a July 23 post on X, the U.S. Department of Education stated that “Americans agree: colleges and universities are falling short on affordability. With new loan limits in place, students aren’t stuck taking on more debt than they can realistically handle. These caps are pushing schools to take a hard look at their prices and start bringing costs down — making higher education more affordable for students and families.”
Americans agree: colleges and universities are falling short on affordability.
With new loan limits in place, students aren’t stuck taking on more debt than they can realistically handle. These caps are pushing schools to take a hard look at their prices and start bringing…
— U.S. Department of Education (@usedgov) July 23, 2026
The department finalized rules earlier this year establishing new annual and aggregate limits on certain federal student loans, including caps on Parent PLUS loans and graduate borrowing, effective for the 2026-27 academic year. Officials have said the limits aim to curb overborrowing and encourage institutions to control costs.
Average Costs in Texas
In Texas, average in-state tuition and fees at public four-year universities are lower than the national average. Recent data from sources tracking College Board and state figures place average in-state public four-year tuition and fees in the range of approximately $8,000 to $12,000 per year, depending on the institution and year.
National figures for 2025-26 show average in-state public four-year tuition and fees at about $11,950. Private nonprofit four-year institutions nationally average around $45,000 in tuition and fees.
Full cost of attendance, including room and board, is substantially higher at both public and private schools.
Texas public universities have seen some tuition freezes for resident undergraduates in recent legislative sessions.
Student Loan Debt
Americans collectively hold approximately $1.86 trillion in student loan debt. The average federal student loan balance per borrower is about $39,000 to $40,500, according to the most recently published Education Data Initiative and Federal Student Aid figures. When private loans are included, the average total rises to roughly $42,000 to $43,500.
Enrollment Trends and Alternatives
Overall U.S. postsecondary enrollment rose about 1% in fall 2025 to 19.4 million students, according to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center. Growth was driven primarily by community colleges and public four-year institutions, while private four-year enrollment declined slightly.
Certificate and associate degree programs have shown stronger growth than traditional bachelor’s programs in recent years. Enrollment in undergraduate certificate programs at community colleges has increased significantly since 2021.
Alternatives to traditional four-year degrees that have gained attention include registered apprenticeships, trade and technical schools, and short-term workforce credentials. The number of participants in registered apprenticeship programs more than doubled between 2014 and 2024. Community colleges and some four-year institutions have expanded apprenticeship pathways in fields such as healthcare, information technology, manufacturing, and the skilled trades.
Parents citing reasons for preferring non-four-year options frequently mention cost, debt concerns, return on investment, and interest in skilled trades.
What’s Next
Federal loan limit changes take fuller effect with the 2026-27 academic year. Institutions are adjusting financial aid packaging and program pricing in response. State-level discussions, including in Texas, continue around tuition freezes, incentives, and workforce-aligned programs. Gallup and Lumina plan ongoing tracking of public confidence in higher education.
Provided by Dallas Express
