Survey Shows Bipartisan Support for Student Aid and Strong Views of Higher Education

WASHINGTON (April 14, 2026) – A national survey conducted on behalf of the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (NAICU) finds that Americans continue to view higher education positively and express strong bipartisan support for federal student aid and the positive impact colleges and universities have on communities.  

Overall, 62% of respondents report feeling positive about higher education. Support rises sharply with educational attainment, from about 54% among those with a high school diploma or less to about 80% among those with a graduate degree. 

Federal student aid stands out as a rare point of bipartisan consensus. Three-quarters of Republicans and Independents and more than 80% of Democrats support federal student aid programs, an uncommon area of agreement in today’s political climate. 

“These results from this survey demonstrate broad bipartisan support for federal student aid programs and college affordability—a rare political issue on which Americans across the political spectrum agree,” said NAICU President Barbara Mistick. “The findings also confirm that Americans strongly support and hold a positive view of higher education.” 

The survey also highlights notable demographic differences. Overall views of higher education are identical among conservatives and liberals, with 64% in each group expressing positive views, while moderates are slightly less positive at 59%. A similar pattern appears when comparing Democrats and Republicans with Independents. 

Respondents from traditionally underrepresented groups, including Black, Hispanic, and Alaska Native or American Indian communities, report more favorable views overall, with 69% expressing positive perceptions of higher education compared to 62% overall. 

Americans widely recognize higher education’s benefits. About 71% say personal growth and development is one of its most important outcomes, ranking it ahead of career success (68%) and building a strong workforce (63%). Around three-quarters identify high quality as a strength of private institutions, while 63% cite career preparation and more than half (56%) point to value. Colleges and universities also receive high marks for community impact, with three-quarters highlighting job creation, economic contributions, and community engagement. Nearly 74% report participating in at least one activity at a local campus.

At the same time, the findings underscore the need for greater public education. About 40% of respondents say they are only slightly or not at all familiar with federal student aid. Nearly 30% are unfamiliar with the difference between public and private colleges, and about one-third see no distinction between private, nonprofit and for-profit institutions in how funds are invested. 

The survey was conducted by RW Jones November 17, 2025, via Qualtrics and includes responses from 1,233 U.S. adults. 

About NAICU 

The National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (NAICU) serves as the unified voice for the 1,700 private, nonprofit colleges and universities in our nation. Founded in 1976, NAICU is the only national membership organization solely focused on representing private, nonprofit higher education on public policy issues in Washington, DC. NAICU’s membership reflects the spectrum of private, nonprofit higher education in the U.S. NAICU’s member institutions include major research universities, faith-based colleges, Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Hispanic-Serving Institutions and other Minority-Serving Institutions, art and design colleges, conservatories of music, traditional liberal arts and science institutions, women’s colleges, work colleges, two-year colleges and schools of law, medicine, engineering, business and other professions.