When it comes to paying for college, the public sends distinctly mixed signals about how serious the problem is and frankly admits its own lack of knowledge. Half of parents say they're "very concerned" about saving enough to send their child to college, and majorities of Americans say government needs to do more to make college more affordable. Yet a majority also says that "almost anyone who needs financial help to go to college can get loans or financial aid" and that if "someone really wants to go to college, they can find a way to pay for it. Surveys also show that while majorities say in general they know "a lot" or "a good amount" about what it costs to go to college, Americans are unsure of what college actually costs when given specific estimates.

Majorities say government should offer tax breaks and opportunities to work for financial aid to make college more affordable