This report is fourth in a series of informational briefings developed as part of "The Guardians Initiative: Reclaiming the Public Trust," an effort to educate and engage trustees as advocates on key issues in higher education. Public confidence, or trust, in higher education measures the general public's perception of whether colleges and universities fulfill their missions. The U.S. higher education system, which is composed of institutions that depend on government funding yet traditionally enjoy considerable independence, relies on public trust. Many surveys measure views of students and employers, but this paper focuses on survey results regarding the general public's views. Recent evidence suggests that public trust is increasingly viewed through a partisan lens. Other survey evidence suggests that public confidence is threatened by continuing concerns about the cost of and access to higher education. The report includes recommendations to help board members and the public have productive dialogue about increasing access and the efforts colleges are making to ensure that graduates have the skills they need to succeed in today's economy and receive more help with job opportunities.