Californians See College as Essential to Succeed in Workplace and Affordability as Main Issue in PPIC Survey

[courtesy of California Progress Report]

Clear Message That Changes Needed and Disapproval of Both Governor and Legislature in Handling This Issue

By Frank D. Russo

The Public Policy Institute of California has done an extensive survey broken out by both all Californians and likely voters who send a strong message that they are concerned about the affordability of public college and university education which they see as a necessity, without which one cannot succeed in the workplace. They also rate negatively the Governor's performance in this area along with that of the state legislature. And they want changes made.

"Californians and Higher Education", released late last night, is a 44 page report based on a survey of 2,503 California adults taken between October 10 and 23.

Californians Say College Education is the Only Way to Succeed in the Economy

What is striking about this report is the much higher level of Californians, compared with the nation as a whole, who see college as key to success in work. When asked the question: “Do you think that a college education is necessary for a person to be successful in today’s work world, or do you think that there are many ways to succeed in today’s work world without a college education?” 64% responded that it was necessary, 34% said there were many other ways to succeed, and only 2% said they didn't know. Nationally, according to PPIC, the public is split on this proposition.

These numbers are across the board, with 72% of Asians, 68% of Blacks, 79% of Latinos, and 55% of Whites agreeing the college education is what is needed.

The figures are even higher when it comes to parents with children age 18 or younger, who agree 71% to 28%.

76% see the California higher education system as important to the state's quality of life and economic vitality over the next 20 years. Another 20% see it as somewhat important and only 3% see it as of little or no importance.

Looking out 20 years, 68% say California will need more college educated workers than it does now.

Action Needed--High Cost and Accessibility to College is Seen as the Most Important Issue