Gallup: Record-low 31% of Americans call college 'very important'
Source: Fox News · All Fox News reports
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Summary
The 'Gutfeld!' panel discussed a new Gallup poll showing a record-low 31% of Americans view college as 'very important,' down sharply from 2013. They highlighted universities offering degrees or concentrations in social media influencing and content creation at schools including ASU, UTSA, and Saint Leo. Panelists debated whether parents should fund such majors, the role of federal subsidies in driving up costs, and alternatives like trades, the Thiel Fellowship, or becoming an influencer without a degree. Jokes about OnlyFans and raunchy trade-themed social media content filled the segment.
Editorial Assessment
The broadcast accurately reported the Gallup finding and the rise of influencer-related programs, which multiple universities now offer as full degrees or concentrations. However, viewers miss key context: while costs and debt are high (average ~$37k for bachelor's, total U.S. debt $1.86 trillion), bachelor's holders still earn significantly more over a lifetime, though the gap is narrowing as some trades out-earn median graduates early on. The heavy emphasis on college as worthless or a 'joke' selectively omits data showing strong returns for many majors and frames subsidies solely as cost inflators without discussing access benefits. Guest selection and banter tilt toward skepticism of traditional higher ed, potentially reinforcing perceptions that all degrees lack value when outcomes vary widely by field and institution. Overall entertaining but leans more commentary than balanced analysis.
Key Moments
Gallup poll shows record-low 31% of Americans think a college education is very important
Exact figure from Gallup's October 2026 poll; down 4 points from prior year and from 70% in 2013.
Universities are now offering degrees on how to become a social media influencer; parents split on support
Programs exist at ASU (science of digital influence), UTSA (digital media influence), Saint Leo, and others; Talker Research survey found ~33% of parents would not support such a major, 43% would.
Government subsidizing college is a key driver of rising costs and lifelong student debt
Standard economic view that aid can inflate prices; omits that many students (especially at public schools) benefit from aid reducing net cost, and debt averages $37k not 'for life' for most.
Peter Thiel pays high-achieving students $100k not to go to college
Thiel Fellowship offers $100k+ (updated figures up to $250k in some reports) to pursue projects instead of college; active since 2010.
You can get a $200-300k debt and get nothing for it from college; many non-college paths succeed
Typical debt is $29k-$44k depending on school type; while some succeed without degrees (e.g., panelists), data shows median lifetime earnings premium for bachelor's holders despite rising trade competitiveness.
Notable Concerns
- One-sided framing that celebrates decline in college's perceived value without counter-data on earnings premiums
- Casual conflation of influencer degrees with 'nonsense majors' while real programs focus on analytics, marketing, and production
- Exaggerated debt anecdotes ($200-300k) exceed typical averages for public and most private schools
Sources Consulted
- Record-Low 31% Say College Education Is 'Very Important'
- Influencer degrees are here, but 52% of Americans don't think it's a legitimate career
- ASU launches degree for aspiring influencers
- U.S. Student Loan Debt Statistics | LendingTree
- Thiel Fellowship FAQ
- Trade School vs College ROI in 2026
- Average Student Loan Debt [2026]
- Florida universities offer degree programs in social media influencing, branding