A new Manhattan Institute poll (June 10–13, 2025) of 2,000 registered voters reveals just 15 percent of Americans have a “great deal” of trust in Ivy League universities, while 46 percent express little to no trust. Public institutions fare only slightly better, with just 20 percent of voters expressing high confidence.
Distrust in Ivy League schools rivals the lack of confidence many Americans have in major institutions like the media, Supreme Court, and presidency. The survey found nearly half of voters believe higher education is headed in the wrong direction, with concerns consistent across gender, education level, and race. Young adults (ages 18–29) are a notable exception, with 44 percent saying education is on the right track.
Voters support major reforms. A broad majority favor universities prioritizing “truth over ideology” through rigorous academic standards, fraud control, preregistration of studies, and merit-based outcomes. Sixty‑four percent backed these measures, while 57 percent support adopting a color‑blind approach—ending DEI bureaucracies, race‑based programs, and race‑influenced admissions and hiring. Support for color‑blind policies spans party and racial lines, with a majority in each demographic group in favor.
