Lumina Foundation
Lumina Foundation and Gallup are committed to studying the most pressing issues facing higher education.
The State of Higher Education 2025
Since 2020, Lumina Foundation and Gallup have partnered to produce the State of Higher Education study, an annual survey of thousands of U.S. adults without a college degree or credential.
The 2025 State of Higher Education report provides new insight into the value Americans place on post-high school education — and what still stands in their way. Despite continued concern over cost, demand for education remains strong: 57% of unenrolled adults have considered enrolling in the past two years. Mental health, emotional stress and finances remain top reasons adults stop out of college or delay enrollment.
Explore new data on student sentiment, enrollment decisions and institutional trust to better understand how to support today's learners and the future of higher education.
89% of U.S. adults without a degree or credential believe at least one type of degree or credential is valuable.
31% of stopped-out students say emotional stress led them to leave their program.
91% of bachelor's degree students are confident their degree will provide job-related skills.
Lumina Foundation in the Media
Download Past Gallup-Lumina Foundation Reports
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Beyond the Headlines: The Reality of Free Speech on College Campuses
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Bridging the Gap: Insights on Cost and Value of a College Degree
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The State of Higher Education 2024 Report
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Cost of College: The Price Tag of Higher Education and Its Effect on Enrollment
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Policies and Laws: How They're Impacting College Enrollment
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Education for What?
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The State of Higher Education 2023 Report
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Stressed Out and Stopping Out: The Mental Health Crisis in Higher Education
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Balancing Act: The Tradeoffs and Challenges Facing Black Students in Higher Education
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The State of Higher Education 2022 Report
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Gallup State of the Student Experience 2020 Report
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Some College and No Degree
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Americans Value Postsecondary Education
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Great Jobs Great Lives Purdue Index Report
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What America Needs to Know About Higher Education Redesign
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