A new AAC&U/Morning Consult poll found 70% of employers express high confidence in higher education and 73% say a college degree is worth it — results that contrast with broader public skepticism. Employers ranked applied skills—applying knowledge, teamwork, oral/written communication and AI-related skills—as top priorities for new hires. The survey showed bipartisan employer support, with 75% of Republican employers and 70% of Democrats expressing confidence. Employers also said hands-on experiences such as internships, apprenticeships and leadership roles make graduates more hireable. The findings give colleges leverage in program design and marketing: demand is clear for experiential learning and AI fluency, and institutions that can document those outcomes may fare better in employer partnerships and recruitment.