ERIC Number: ED617233
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2020-Jun
Pages: 54
Abstractor: ERIC
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Varying Degrees 2020: New America's Fourth Annual Survey on Higher Education
Fishman, Rachel; Nguyen, Sophie; Francisco, Myra
New America
"Varying Degrees" is New America's annual effort to gauge opinions about education after high school. In the four years since the publication of this survey, there has been an economic boom. This year, that boom came to an abrupt and tragic end. Unlike previous recessions, this one has been caused by a global pandemic, and it is unclear how the economy will be able to restart with so many Americans social distancing. This survey provides an important baseline to judge how attitudes and perceptions change in the face of this public health and economic crisis. As in previous years, the survey shows unifying themes, as well as differences, among various demographics when it comes to questions about value, funding, and accountability. Since the United States is gearing up for a presidential election in the fall, special attention was paid to the political affiliations of respondents. COVID-19 has presented an unprecedented challenge to colleges and universities, shifting the way that students learn and how institutions of higher education function. But it is more important than ever to ensure that there are viable, quality educational pathways for everyone, since even after the pandemic ends, the economic wounds are likely to remain for a long time. Understanding the value Americans place on education opportunities after high school and where funding should be prioritized so that students have broad access will be important moving forward. [For the 2019 survey, see ED617234.]
Descriptors: Higher Education, Educational Attitudes, Public Opinion, Attitude Change, Public Health, Economic Climate, Educational Benefits, Educational Finance, Accountability, Political Affiliation, COVID-19, Pandemics, Generational Differences, Racial Differences, Public Colleges, Private Colleges, Community Colleges, Paying for College, Academic Degrees, Accreditation (Institutions)
New America. 740 15th Street NW Suite 900, Washington, DC 20005. Tel: 202-986-2700; Fax: 202-986-3696; Web site: https://www.newamerica.org
Publication Type: Reports - Research; Numerical/Quantitative Data
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education; Two Year Colleges
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
Authoring Institution: New America
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A