News & Research

6 in 10 College Students Worry a Recession Will Impact Their Job Prospects

October 9th, 2019

Finding a job after college is hard enough without the added stress of a potential economic downturn, but studies show that graduating into a recession amounts to years of lost income. Many college students today worry that a recession will hit before they graduate, making it more difficult to find a good job in their […]

More Than 8 in 10 College Students Support Marijuana Legalization

October 3rd, 2019

Support for marijuana legalization has been on the rise for decades. A Pew Research survey found that 62% of Americans favored legalization last year — up from 31% in 2000 — and proposals for reform are even more popular among college students. A new survey of 1,500 undergraduates finds that a strong majority (85%) favor […]

Nearly 6 in 10 College Students Say “Influencer” Isn’t a Real Job

September 30th, 2019

57% of students say being a social media influencer is not a legitimate job, but Democrats are more likely than Republicans to say it is (47% vs. 31%). More than three-quarters (76%) of students say influencer culture has a negative impact on people’s body image. Less than half (45%) of students are very confident that […]

8 in 10 College Students Support Stricter Environmental Laws

September 25th, 2019

Climate strikes around the world have highlighted many young people’s passion for protecting the environment. As the 2020 presidential election heats up, college students overwhelmingly support stricter environmental regulations, and the majority want a presidential candidate who prioritizes addressing climate change. A new survey of 1,500 undergraduates finds that more than 8 in 10 (82%) […]

Half of College Students Want a Presidential Candidate Who Supports Medicare For All

September 23rd, 2019

More than half (52%) of college students say they are more likely to vote for a presidential candidate who supports Medicare for All. A majority of students (71%) believe the government should ensure that all Americans have health care coverage. Seven in 10 (70%) students say the American health care system is worse than other […]

One in 10 College Students Report Skipping Meals for an Entire Day Because They Can’t Afford to Eat

September 16th, 2019

More than 1 in 10 (12%) college students say they sometimes or often go an entire day without eating because they cannot afford it. Skipping individual meals is more common. About one-third (33%) of students report that they skip an individual meal at least sometimes because they cannot afford to eat. A majority of students […]

8 in 10 College Students Say the NCAA Takes Advantage of Athletes

September 11th, 2019

The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) currently prohibits college athletes from receiving compensation for their athletic talent and contributions — other than scholarships — in order to maintain their amateur status. But members of Congress and lawmakers in at least four states are trying to change that. A new survey of 2,500 undergraduates finds that […]

College Students Spend an Average of $300 Back-to-School Shopping

September 5th, 2019

Tuition hikes across the country are not the only source of financial stress for college students and their families. Even after tuition is paid, the cost of classroom and dorm essentials can stack up. A new survey of 1,500 undergraduates found that the average student spent $305 back-to-school shopping this year. Six in 10 (62%) […]

Three-Quarters of College Students Want Stricter Gun Laws

August 28th, 2019

76% of students believe gun laws should be more strict than they are today. 6 in 10 (61%) students worry that a mass shooting could happen at their school. College students overwhelmingly favor universal background checks (93%), extending the background check review period (84%), and banning assault-style weapons (68%). Following three mass shootings in a […]

College Students Rank The New York Times and NPR as Favorite News Sources

August 22nd, 2019

Where young adults choose to get their news not only shapes their worldview, but could also influence how the media industry continues to evolve. A new survey of 1,500 undergraduates found that digital-first news sites have not beat out legacy news organizations in the battle for young people’s attention. The New York Times and NPR […]

The End of Desk Jobs? College Students Would Rather Work Remotely

August 12th, 2019

The trend of young adults flying to Bali, laptops in tow, is here to stay. Young workers are demanding more flexibility from their employers, including where they can work. A survey of 22,970 undergraduates found that an overwhelming majority of students want the ability to work remotely. Nearly three-quarters (72%) of students say they would […]