The Perception Gap: The Gulf Between Public Opinion and Public Higher Education in Oregon

2011Public opinion is central to the formation of public higher education, particularly public higher education funding policy. However, extant research indicates that an enormous gap exists between public higher education policymakers and the general public, resulting in misunderstanding and serious challenges for public higher education funding. This analysis builds on data drawn from a 2007 survey of Oregonian's views of public higher education in their state, focusing particularly on their judgment of the quality of higher education. Several interesting findings emerge from the analysis, including the fact that independent (non-party aligned) voters are unexpectedly likely to show a lack of support for public higher education than members of either party, including conservative-identified voters. This study should provide a basis for future research into the role of public opinion in shaping higher education funding policy, as well as a resource for higher education policymakers and advocates