Because it is often accompanied by self-serving "we must have more STEM courses" because "We must have more science grads" when you read further.

If you say so. Employing 100% of the ones graduating today? What about jobs for all the out of work folks? Wonder how one is going to pay for all that wonderful work they might do if their neighbors don't have jobs to do so? If there is such a shortage then we need a training program to put adults who have a degree already through the short course to do the work. Or maybe there isn't such a need?

Or maybe it has to do with the fact that at least 1 in 4, perhaps more than that, have trouble understanding what it is you are asking or why you are bothering them? I'd need more info.

Gallup does the the same poll, btw, and it is done in Europe as well - http://www.gallup.com/poll/3742/new-poll-gauges-americans-general-knowledge-levels.aspx

Gallup found 1 in 5 here, or slightly better.

Wonder if this is solely a difference in sampling, or if there is some pressure from people who want to find the worst case scenario so they can get more funding to get paid for correcting it.