A recent survey conducted by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research reveals a significant shift in the perception of higher education among US teenagers. According to the data, 62% of teenagers aged 13 to 17 say it is “extremely” or “very” important to them personally to graduate from college.
The survey, carried out in spring among teens across the US, highlights that young people continue to view higher education as a critical step toward future employment and life readiness. This stands in contrast to an earlier poll by UChicago Harris/AP-NORC from 2022, where only about 4 in 10 adults held the same view.
Teen girls lead in higher education aspirations
A notable gender divide emerged in the findings. The survey shows that 70% of teenage girls say graduating from college is at least “very” important, compared with 54% of boys. This reflects a broader trend observed over the past few decades, where US women have increasingly outpaced men in college completion.
According to a Pew Research Center analysis of census data, by 2023, 47% of US women aged 25–34 held a bachelor’s degree compared to 37% of men. In 1995, degree attainment was nearly equal among genders. The disparity suggests a continuing shift in educational outcomes and priorities between teen boys and girls.
College seen as pathway to jobs and life skills
The AP-NORC poll shows that nearly 7 in 10 teens believe that completing college is “extremely” or “very” important for securing good jobs. Additionally, around 6 in 10 teens associate a college education with acquiring essential life skills. Roughly half view college as important for becoming informed members of society or forming personal identity.
Economic challenges remain a concern
While most teens value higher education, many believe achieving traditional life goals is more difficult now than it was for their parents. About 70% say owning a home is harder, while 55% believe raising a family has become more challenging. More than half think attaining a good standard of living or building a successful career is now tougher.
Teens’ perception of generational challenges:
Source: The Associated Press-NORC Center Teen Poll
Ry-n Uyeda
Ry-n Uyeda, a 17-year-old from Waianae, Hawaii, is already enrolled in college-level courses during high school and hopes to continue her education at a West Coast university while pursuing athletics. According to the Associated Press, her focus includes building personal endurance and managing academic responsibilities.
Jalena Crawford
Jalena Crawford, aged 16, intends to study at Grand Canyon University or Arizona State University to become an American Sign Language interpreter. As reported by the Associated Press, she credits family influence for shaping her college goals.
Evarist Bego
Evarist Bego, 22, recently graduated from the University of Southern California with a joint degree in business and film. Despite his academic background and internships, he told the Associated Press that finding permanent employment has been difficult, particularly due to high experience demands for entry-level roles.
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The survey, carried out in spring among teens across the US, highlights that young people continue to view higher education as a critical step toward future employment and life readiness. This stands in contrast to an earlier poll by UChicago Harris/AP-NORC from 2022, where only about 4 in 10 adults held the same view.
Teen girls lead in higher education aspirations
A notable gender divide emerged in the findings. The survey shows that 70% of teenage girls say graduating from college is at least “very” important, compared with 54% of boys. This reflects a broader trend observed over the past few decades, where US women have increasingly outpaced men in college completion.
According to a Pew Research Center analysis of census data, by 2023, 47% of US women aged 25–34 held a bachelor’s degree compared to 37% of men. In 1995, degree attainment was nearly equal among genders. The disparity suggests a continuing shift in educational outcomes and priorities between teen boys and girls.
College seen as pathway to jobs and life skills
The AP-NORC poll shows that nearly 7 in 10 teens believe that completing college is “extremely” or “very” important for securing good jobs. Additionally, around 6 in 10 teens associate a college education with acquiring essential life skills. Roughly half view college as important for becoming informed members of society or forming personal identity.
Economic challenges remain a concern
While most teens value higher education, many believe achieving traditional life goals is more difficult now than it was for their parents. About 70% say owning a home is harder, while 55% believe raising a family has become more challenging. More than half think attaining a good standard of living or building a successful career is now tougher.
Teens’ perception of generational challenges:
Source: The Associated Press-NORC Center Teen Poll
Ry-n Uyeda
Ry-n Uyeda, a 17-year-old from Waianae, Hawaii, is already enrolled in college-level courses during high school and hopes to continue her education at a West Coast university while pursuing athletics. According to the Associated Press, her focus includes building personal endurance and managing academic responsibilities.
Jalena Crawford
Jalena Crawford, aged 16, intends to study at Grand Canyon University or Arizona State University to become an American Sign Language interpreter. As reported by the Associated Press, she credits family influence for shaping her college goals.
Evarist Bego
Evarist Bego, 22, recently graduated from the University of Southern California with a joint degree in business and film. Despite his academic background and internships, he told the Associated Press that finding permanent employment has been difficult, particularly due to high experience demands for entry-level roles.
TOI Education is on WhatsApp now. Follow us here.
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