New polling from the Lumina Foundation and Gallup reports a decline in confidence in higher education, with Democrats driving the steepest drop. Overall, 38% of U.S. adults report high confidence, down from 42% in 2025, and half of Democrats say they are confident, a new low. Respondents who lack confidence most often cite perceived political agendas on campus, high costs, and insufficient workforce preparation. The survey also finds that confidence is lower among bachelor’s degree holders than among those with postgraduate degrees, leaving the sector exposed if trusted constituencies weaken. For higher education leaders, the immediate implication is communications and outcomes alignment: institutions may need to sharpen evidence on workforce results and address affordability narratives while managing campus climate concerns that shape public trust.