• Provident Financial Services published a 2026 higher-education market survey showing 70% of Americans concerned about college costs.
• Rising tuition is reshaping demand: 71.3% changed education plans; only 20.6% view a degree as clearly worth the cost.
• Trade or technical school gained traction: 30.4% see it as best financial return; 65% say student-debt fears boost its appeal.
• Financing readiness looks weak: 19.4% unsure expected student-loan debt; 9.9% anticipate at least $100,000.
• Banking support remains underused: 51.4% want education-saving guidance; 24.4% say their bank offers it and they use it.

Disclaimer: This news brief was created by Public Technologies (PUBT) using generative artificial intelligence. While PUBT strives to provide accurate and timely information, this AI-generated content is for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as financial, investment, or legal advice. Provident Financial Services Inc. published the original content used to generate this news brief via GlobeNewswire (Ref. ID: 202609290800PRIMZONEFULLFEED9835272) on September 29, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained therein.