Vanderbilt Project on Unity and American Democracy: “The results indicate that, despite frequent coverage of the escalating charges and accusations against institutions of higher education, Americans have confidence in them — and that confidence is growing. Furthermore, Americans believe that colleges and universities have a positive impact on the state of the country.” Read more here.

Breakdown on reported political affiliation (“have a great deal” or “quite a lot of confidence” in higher education): 69% Republican, 45% Independent, 35% Republican. Respondents generally want higher ed to be neutral on political issues.

Poll taken in early September.