US Teens Prioritize Higher Education: 7 in 10 Girls Say College is Crucial for Future Success

A new survey conducted by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research has revealed a decisive shift in how American teens perceive the value of higher education. According to the results, 62% of teenagers aged 13 to 17 believe that graduating from college is either “extremely” or “very” important for their future. This marks a significant upswing compared to adult attitudes just a few years ago and underscores how the younger generation aligns education with future job security and life fulfillment.

Girls Lead the Charge in Higher Education Aspirations

One of the poll's most striking findings is the gender gap in college aspirations. While 70% of teen girls place high importance on completing college, only 54% of teen boys share the same sentiment. This gender-based difference reflects a larger societal trend that has unfolded over the past three decades—women are not only catching up to men in higher education but increasingly outpacing them.

Data from the Pew Research Center further supports this. As of 2023, 47% of US women aged 25–34 held a bachelor’s degree compared to 37% of men in the same age bracket. This is a sharp contrast from 1995, when men and women had near-equal levels of degree attainment.

This evolving trend suggests that more girls envision college as a non-negotiable part of their journey toward personal and professional success, likely influenced by greater representation, mentorship, and shifting cultural norms.

Why Teens Value College: Jobs, Skills, and Identity

The survey delves deeper into why teens prioritize college education. Nearly 7 in 10 respondents associate a college degree with better job prospects, seeing it as an essential requirement for landing a well-paying and stable career. Additionally, 60% of the teens link college education with acquiring life skills, such as financial management, decision-making, and independent living.

Interestingly, about half of the teenagers also believe that college is important in helping them become informed citizens and shape their identity. This shows that teens are not viewing college solely as a professional stepping stone but also as a space for personal growth, civic awareness, and self-discovery.

Generational Hurdles: Teens Acknowledge Tougher Road Ahead

While the desire for higher education remains high, many teens acknowledge that reaching traditional life milestones is now more challenging than it was for their parents. The survey reveals a strong sense of economic anxiety among young people:

• 70% say owning a home is harder today
• 55% believe raising a family has become more difficult
• Over 50% feel that achieving a good standard of living or a successful career is tougher.

These findings paint a picture of a hopeful and realistic generation. While they see college as essential, they are aware of the socio-economic hurdles that may complicate their path, including rising housing prices, unstable job markets, and inflationary pressures.

Teens’ Perspective on Life Challenges: A Snapshot

Here’s a closer look at how teens rate the difficulty of various life goals compared to earlier generations:

This chart reflects a strong sense of generational pressure and an evolving idea of success.

Teen Voices: Real Stories Behind the Numbers

To add depth to the data, the Associated Press highlighted the stories of individual teens, whose experiences represent broader trends.

Ry-n Uyeda, a 17-year-old from Waianae, Hawaii, is currently enrolled in college-level courses while still in high school. She plans to attend a West Coast university to continue her education while pursuing athletics. Her story balances ambition and discipline, emphasizing personal growth alongside academic goals.

Jalena Crawford, 16, is preparing to study at Grand Canyon University or Arizona State University to become an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter. She attributes her college ambitions to the influence of family, showcasing how supportive environments shape educational outcomes.

Evarist Bego, 22, has already graduated from the University of Southern California with a joint degree in business and film. Despite his credentials and internships, he admits to struggling to secure permanent employment, highlighting how well-prepared students face job market challenges due to high experience expectations for entry-level roles.

These profiles provide a glimpse into the diversity of teenage aspirations and their unique challenges in actualizing them.

What the Future Holds

This latest AP-NORC poll suggests that college continues to hold high value among teenagers, especially girls, who are increasingly leading the charge in higher education attainment. However, the path forward is not without obstacles. Economic pressures and shifting societal expectations mean that today’s teens will need more than just a degree—resilience, support, and opportunity.