There are differing opinions about the state of higher education in Mississippi and throughout the U.S.

A report from Lumina Foundation and Gallup shows public confidence in higher education has dropped, but students continue to have confidence in their coursework and professors.

Mississippi is home to 33 accredited universities. Courtney Brown, vice president of impact and planning with Lumina Foundation, said roughly nine in 10 college students feel their degree will help them get a job after graduation.

"They believe the cost is worth it, but they don't believe colleges are charging fair prices," said Brown. "They believe in the value, they just can't access it, because it's too expensive, it's out of reach for them. And so that's an area that we really need to pay attention to."

A report from Mississippi State University shows that the state's public university system is producing a steady pipeline of graduates with degrees that align with current workforce opportunities in fast-growing markets.

The report adds that three quarters of college graduates say their degree led to a successful career, and many were able to get a job within a year of graduating.

Despite that, Brown says 23% of Americans expressed little or no confidence in college education.

"And there were three things the public is concerned about, which is why confidence is lowering," said Brown. "One, is they think it's too political, they think higher education has become too political. Two, they don't think it's aligned with the workforce, and three, they think it's too expensive. It's not affordable."

During this highly politicized year, between 64% and 74% of Democratic, Republican, and independent students say all or most of their professors support differing opinions during controversial discussions.

"Most college students on campus feel like they belong," said Brown. "They feel like they can share their opinion, that they’re hearing opinions from others, that their professors encourage open dialogue. But the fact that some students don’t feel like they belong, and feel like they’re being silenced, is something we need to pay attention to. We want to make sure that everybody feels safe."

Support for this reporting was provided by Lumina Foundation.

Source: Public News Service