“By a variety of measures, Americans question whether the benefits of college are worth the cost. Young people without degrees are especially skeptical,” is one conclusion. The study (with data derived from a combination of survey and focus group interviews) was conducted by Public Agenda/USA TODAY Hidden Common Ground (HCG) research.

Respondents were split almost equally with respect to whether they believe the economic value of getting a college degree outweighs the costs. And on the cost side of the equation, there was strong support for states taking primary responsibility for paying for public higher education, with college-goers contributing. 61 percent of Americans (overall) support increased funding for public higher education, including 3 of every 4 self-identified Democrats and 50% of self-identified Republicans. Read more here.