Majorities see education, housing as unaffordable: Survey

January 26, 2026 - 18:26

A new national survey indicates a majority of Americans now view key pillars of the American dream—higher education and homeownership—as financially out of reach. The findings highlight a pervasive sense of economic strain, with these fundamental expenses ranking among the least affordable necessities in the current climate.

According to the poll, concerns over housing costs are particularly acute, affecting individuals across urban, suburban, and rural communities. The sentiment underscores the challenges posed by rising mortgage rates and a persistent shortage of available homes, which have pushed the goal of owning a home further away for many families and first-time buyers.

Similarly, the soaring price of college tuition and associated debt is causing a significant reevaluation of higher education's value. Many respondents expressed doubt about the return on investment for a degree, given the substantial financial burden it now entails. This dual crisis of affordability is shaping financial decisions and long-term planning for a broad swath of the population, contributing to broader anxieties about economic stability and opportunity.