Young American adults are worried that a college education is too pricey and that they are accumulating too much school debt. But they also feel that a college education is even more important today than it was to the previous generation.
According to a recent poll by The Institute of College Access & Success (ICAS), more than three-quarters of young adults say a higher education has gotten harder to afford during the last five years. No surprise there. But more than 8 in 10 of those surveyed also said college or other specialized training after high school has grown in importance.
Many students clearly see government Pell Grants, which do not have to be paid back, as a key solution to the problem. Even when they are described as a way to cut the federal deficit, 75% of young adults say they don’t want Pell Grants reduced, and almost the same number oppose any requirement that students begin paying back their federal Stafford and other loans while they are still in school.
Interestingly, there was little difference in student views across political party affiliation, race or gender. “Despite these tough times, young people do see a way forward for the economy as a whole and their own shot at the American Dream,” said Jennifer Mishory, a spokesman for The Young Invincibles, a group quoted in the ICAS report. “Young adults across party lines are looking for leadership from Congress and sending them a message,” she added, “…protect the student aid that helps millions afford college and job training every year.”
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