New Poll Suggests Higher Ed Isn’t Making Students Smarter About Economics

A new Axios-Generation Lab poll reveals that socialism now enjoys stronger favorability among U.S. college students than capitalism — underscoring a generational ideological shift and deep partisan divide on economic systems.

Poll Results Show Strong Tilt Toward Socialism

According to the survey, 67% of college respondents report a positive or neutral association with the term “socialism.” In comparison, 40% say they feel positively or neutrally toward “capitalism.”

The data suggests that 34% of students hold a somewhat or very positive view of socialism, while only 17% say the same about capitalism. Negative views of capitalism significantly exceed negative views of socialism, 53% to 23%.

Additionally, one in three students holds a neutral stance toward socialism, while one in four feels neutral about capitalism.

A Partisan Divide Among Gen Z Students

Political identity strongly influenced responses.

• 47% of Democrats surveyed reported positive views of socialism
• 31% of independents expressed positive views
• Just 5% of Republicans reacted positively to socialism

Meanwhile, 45% of Republican respondents expressed positive views of capitalism, compared to 17% of independents and 7% of Democrats.

A Trend Shaping Future Policy Debates

The poll arrives shortly before a nationally watched election in New York City, where a democratic socialist candidate is gaining national attention. Rising costs of living — including inflation, healthcare, and housing — alongside frustration with the political and economic influence of billionaires may be contributing factors in shifting student attitudes.

As ideological debates intensify on campuses nationwide, the survey highlights the evolving political mindset of the next generation of voters.