In this research paper, the main focus was on analyzing the attitudes of students from the Medical School in Rijeka towards higher education, taking into account their gender and academic achievements in the previous school year. The aim of this study is to determine how young people perceive higher education and how their opinions may affect future decisions about education and career planning, seeing as higher education is still considered by society a key element in achieving professional goals and building a fulfilled private life. This study determined that most students recognized the importance of higher education, but some had issues with uncertainties related to employment opportunities and the questionable diversity of jobs the field offers. However, a large number of students did express a desire for pursuing further education after finishing high school, and the results showed also that female students have a more positive attitude towards higher education than their male peers. Also, students with better academic performances the year prior tended to recognize more benefits of higher education. This points to the importance of school achievements in shaping positive attitudes towards higher education. In conclusion, the research showed that the majority of students understand the advantages that higher education can bring to their future careers, but what was also determined was a need for better informing students of the many opportunities that higher education can offer them.