Public confidence in American colleges and universities has declined significantly, prompting North Texas higher education leaders to examine the causes and potential solutions during a recent panel discussion. The event, hosted by The Dallas Morning News at Southern Methodist University, featured experts discussing how institutions can rebuild trust amid rising tuition, political interference, and the rapid integration of artificial intelligence.
Moderated by higher education reporter Milla Surjadi, the panel included Warren von Eschenbach, president of the University of North Texas at Dallas; Michael Harris, dean of SMU’s Simmons School of Education and Human Development; Nakia Douglas, former executive director of Dallas Education Collective; Sondra Barringer, an associate professor at SMU; and Marc Christensen, the incoming provost at the University of Texas at Dallas. Dallas is located approximately 31 miles east of Fort Worth.
According to Gallup data cited during the discussion, only 42% of Americans expressed high confidence in higher education in 2025, a slight increase from the all-time low of 36% recorded in the preceding two years. Historically, universities served as reliable pathways to stable careers and free speech, a status bolstered by heavy federal investment in research universities following World War II.
Panelists noted that as public support for higher education waned in the 1980s, institutions increasingly relied on tuition revenue, contributing to the current student debt crisis affecting 43 million Americans. Barringer questioned how schools can justify increasing prices while claiming degrees are worthwhile, particularly when students face significant financial burdens. Christensen added that public perception often focuses too heavily on cost rather than the long-term quality-of-life improvements associated with a degree.
For low-income families, the immediate economic pressure often outweighs long-term benefits. Douglas explained that individuals in survival mode may view higher education as a poor return on investment because they must prioritize immediate expenses like housing and utilities over tuition.
