This report on the public perception of higher education is based on a review of 30 recent public opinion polls. The review found: (1) higher education enjoys a reservoir of goodwill; (2) a college degree is seen as an essential credential for success; (3) the public is broadly committed to equity, but as an income issue and not gender- or race-specific; (4) public goodwill is tempered by growing worry about cost; and (5) consequently, the public sees a role for government in education similar to that in health care financing. The public continues to believe that higher education is one of the most important tasks of society, that higher education equals less crime, and despite low support for racial preferences in general, 73 percent of those polled support financial aid for members of minority groups. There is worry that college athletics are out-of-control and this perception threatens to undermine public confidence in institutions of higher education. However, the main concern of the public is the high cost of higher education and the financial barrier to college for many. The public also believes that government should have a role in funding and that a service requirement could be a requirement for student aid. (JLS)