I wonder how much of this is down to AI? Maybe not much yet. Concerns about it and employment have only started going mainstream in the 2020s. That suggests there is more decline ahead for people's regard for the worth of college education.
It's striking how much opinions differ according to politics. 39% of Republicans rate college as "Not too important", versus 9% of Democrats who feel the same way. The article wonders if the perceived left-wing bias of colleges is to blame. But if right-wing people desert colleges, won't that just make them more left-wing? The student body certainly will be, and that's where the future staff members come from.
Perceived Importance of College Hits New Low: The percentage of Americans saying college is "very important" has fallen to 35%
In Europe, where college is almost free (details depend, there are still private colleges), the trend is towards considering college education more and more important, and more and more entry level jobs require at least a bachelor degree in vaguely related fields.
So, yeah, cost is such an important element!
That is because of degree inflation and europe trailing the united states. Also you still have to pay each semester a small sum (like it is around 220 Euro+ for me), so it isnt exactly free free everywhere.