Public Agenda has compiled this review of survey research on the affordability of higher education. Relevant survey findings from research conducted by Public Agenda and by other organizations were reviewed and two focus groups were conducted in Philadelphia, one with members of the general public and one with parents of high school and college students. Five major themes emerged from the review of recent survey research. One is the importance of higher education. In the view of most Americans, it is very important for individuals to receive a higher education. African American and Hispanic parents are even more likely to stress the importance of higher education than does the population as a whole. Many Americans, especially parents, are concerned about the price of higher education. Although they know little about the details, they feel that rising prices threaten to make higher education inaccessible to many people. There is public support for a government role in making college affordable, but the public does not consider this a major priority for government attention. In general, people have not thought through the complexities of financing higher education, but Americans are opposed to approaches that reduce access either by raising tuition or admitting fewer students. Each of 41 endnotes contains a table of summary survey responses. (SLD)