A survey conducted in September among 1,012 students revealed that the economy and cost of living are the most crucial issues influencing students’ voting decisions in the upcoming election. 52 percent of respondents selected this as the most important issue. Other significant concerns identified in the survey, which was carried out by Inside Higher Ed and Generation Lab, include reproductive rights (45 percent), the future of democracy (26 percent), gun violence/control (23 percent), and immigration (22 percent).
The findings highlight that the concerns of young voters align with those of many college students, and that institutional type and demographic factors can impact trends among college students.
The survey, conducted by Inside Higher Ed and Generation Lab in late September, gathered a total of 1,012 responses. The sample included over 760 four-year and 230 two-year college students, as well as 329 post-traditional students and 518 low-income learners.
The top issue across all respondents was the economy/cost of living, with 52 percent selecting it. Adult learners and male students showed the most concern about this issue, with 61 percent and 59 percent respectively. According to political science professor Billy Monroe, the economy is typically a high priority for voters, especially during economic crises or periods of high inflation.
Environmental issues were prioritized by 20 percent of voters, while racial justice and civil rights, crime and safety, and LGBTQIA+ issues were deemed important by 18 percent, 17 percent, and 17 percent of respondents, respectively. Black students ranked racial justice and civil rights as a top concern, while Hispanic students identified gun violence/control as a significant issue.
Female students showed a high level of concern for reproductive rights (59 percent), as did nonbinary students (64 percent). Only 11 percent of students considered the Israel-Hamas war a top priority, but some referenced Palestine, Gaza, and foreign affairs in their responses.
Private school students were more likely to prioritize social issues such as the future of democracy, environmental issues, and the Israel-Hamas war compared to public school students. Monroe noted that the differences in issue prioritization between private and public school students reflect varying perspectives based on economic security.
Student loan debt/reform was identified as a top priority by 13 percent of respondents, with adult learners, Black students, and public school students showing more concern about this issue. Additionally, 8 percent of respondents highlighted the need for more funding for higher education, with Hispanic learners and community college students more likely to prioritize this.
Approximately 3 percent of respondents stated that none of the listed issues were important to them or expressed apathy towards politics.
In a broader context, other surveys have shown that young adults in the U.S. are concerned about issues such as inflation, health care, housing, gun violence, and jobs. College students are a diverse group with varied backgrounds and experiences, and it is crucial for them to be well-informed and conduct their own research before casting their votes.
Overall, understanding the priorities and concerns of college students can help elected officials better address the needs of this demographic and ensure a more responsive government.