Summary

The “diploma divide” is reshaping U.S. politics as voters with and without college degrees increasingly differ on economic priorities and political alignment.

While the net cost of college has been declining due to rising financial aid and steady government funding, skepticism about the value of higher education persists.

Working-class voters, facing inflation and economic concerns, are shifting toward Republicans, with many bypassing college for well-paying blue-collar jobs.

Declining college enrollment, particularly at lower-income institutions, reflects broader cultural and economic trends impacting political realignment and perceptions of higher education.