Summary
The “diploma divide” is reshaping U.S. politics as voters with and without college degrees increasingly differ on economic priorities and political alignment.
While the net cost of college has been declining due to rising financial aid and steady government funding, skepticism about the value of higher education persists.
Working-class voters, facing inflation and economic concerns, are shifting toward Republicans, with many bypassing college for well-paying blue-collar jobs.
Declining college enrollment, particularly at lower-income institutions, reflects broader cultural and economic trends impacting political realignment and perceptions of higher education.
Financial aid debt is way too high but there is a bit of a turnaround in places. Or there was. It may not last past Jan 20
There were millions with student loan debt forgiven or partly forgiven, and several states made public universities partly free.
In our case my ex still has student loan debt. She’s a teacher which ought to get it forgiven, but she consolidated so is no longer qualified. However several of her peers benefitted
My older kid goes to a public university and his first year was free, based on his mom’s income.