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Survey of Parents of High Schoolers Reveals Perceptions of Higher Education

November 18, 2024
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A survey of parents of high school students conducted by The Glengariff Group, Inc. on behalf of the Detroit Regional Chamber and with support from HCM Strategies revealed surprising perceptions among this group about the feasibility, value, and necessity of a college education for their children. Cost concerns were top of mind for parents and misinformation seems to inform perceptions that a degree is not worth the money or necessary for securing good-paying jobs. View data highlights below.

46% of parent respondents “hope” their child will pursue a four-year degree, while 73% said their child is interested in a four-year degree. 

 Analysis

 

There is a shocking disconnect between parents’ hopes for their child to pursue a four-year degree and their children’s interest in a degree. Parents’ concerns about the cost of college likely inform this. It will be essential to provide real-time evidence of jobs available in the Detroit Region and state, the education requirements to land those jobs, and the respective earning trajectory to uplift the direct parallel between lifetime earnings and a college education, reinforcing its importance to students.

Only 37.7% of parents said college is worth the cost, and 51% believe college costs are confusing and hard to predict.  

Analysis

 

Parents appear to be ill-informed about the actual cost of college and the many financial supports available to significantly reduce their financial burden. Equipping counselors, parents, and students with clear, digestible information about the cost of college could reduce the hesitance of misinformation on the topic causes and encourage more to consider pursuing higher education.

 39% say college is needed to live comfortably.  

Analysis

 

Again, it is imperative for parents and students alike to understand the value of a college degree. Those with post-high school education out-earn those with only a high school diploma over their lifetime, and most good-paying jobs require a bachelor’s degree or higher. Business and education leaders should continue to promote these data-based facts to prevent misinformation from impacting Michigan’s education and talent prospects.  

57% of respondents said their biggest concern about their child pursuing a four-year degree is the cost and financial strain. 

Analysis

 

Cost is clearly a universal concern among parents and students. These concerns are valid, but to help alleviate concerns and perception challenges around cost, business leaders and educational institutions must increase awareness of all the systems in place to support students on their educational journey. Support with items like FAFSA and resources like the Michigan Achievement Scholarship are just a few examples of ways to reduce the financial burden of higher education.

 

76% of respondents said they will have the greatest influence on what their children do in terms of attending college. 

 

Analysis

 

According to students, many parents are not as involved in the decision-making process as the parents may think. Navigating the decision-making process is challenging, and education and support must be provided to parents so they are better equipped to assist their student(s).

 

Near peers’ and friends’ influences on students’ decision-making process around attending college should not be underestimated, and business and education leaders must be mindful of this impact when helping students consider their post-high school plans.

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