Concerns in Higher Education: The 2026 Survey Findings

A recent survey highlighted troubling trends among undergraduate students regarding their views on free speech and morality. Conducted by the Buckley Institute, the 2026 National Undergraduate Student Survey revealed that a significant portion of students justify physical violence to stop what they classify as ‘hate speech.’ Approximately 45% of those surveyed held this view, with 54% of liberals, 36% of moderates, and 30% of conservatives agreeing.

Further findings from the survey showed that 46% of students support disruptive protests while 40% believe offensive speech should be criminalized. Regarding economic systems, 42% expressed a preference for socialism over capitalism, with only 28% favoring the latter. Alarmingly, 22% agreed with the sentiment that the United States deserved the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.

Dr. Gerson Moreno-Riaño, President of Cornerstone University, described these results as indicative of a moral formation issue rather than merely a debate on free speech. He remarked that students are exhibiting what he calls ‘violent entitlement.’ According to Moreno-Riaño, ‘American colleges and universities have ceased to form students morally. Instead, they are instilling resentment and violent entitlement.’

Moreno-Riaño emphasized that this situation concerns employers about the worth of higher education degrees. The issue, he contended, goes beyond whether certain degrees are deemed worthless. ‘It’s about individuals being educated in grievance, anger, violence, and entitlement,’ he stated.

Moreno-Riaño pointed out that higher education has lost its way in America for several decades, becoming ‘godless.’ He warned that in an absence of moral education, ideologies such as communism and socialism fill the void. He underscored a concerning lack of historical awareness among students regarding the dangers of these ideologies.

Employers are increasingly skeptical of college graduates who seem to possess a mere ideological inclination rather than practical problem-solving skills. Moreno-Riaño suggested that companies might consider direct training of individuals from high school rather than hiring college graduates.

An employer’s growing concern is not limited to mere unemployable degrees. It also extends to the mindset many graduates possess. ‘Hiring workers who are indoctrinated with entitlement and grievance instead of constructive thinking and innovation challenges businesses,’ Moreno-Riaño posited.

The Fox News poll on higher education echoed similar sentiments, noting slipping confidence among Americans. Moreno-Riaño concluded that unless higher education institutions take moral education seriously, grounded in understanding rather than entitlement and grievance culture, they risk becoming ineffective.

The Buckley Institute survey, carried out by Inquire LLC, included 803 undergraduate students from various four-year colleges and universities. The respondents participated online between September 5 and September 14.