The Great Recession has done something that seemed unimaginable just a few years ago: it has dented America’s faith in the returns on higher education

In 2008, 81% of adults thought college was a good investment. That number dropped to 57%, according to a national survey of 3,000 Americans commissioned by Country Financial and compiled by Rasmussen Reports. Americans are also increasingly embittered over student debt. In 2011, 31% thought more than $20,000 in student loan debt was too much. In 2012, that number jumped to 42%.