This research is aimed at elaborating the perception of rural community on the significance of higher education at the village of Tlogowarak Giripuro Purwosari Gunungkidul. This research used qualitative descriptive approach. The data sampling techniques used were observation, interview, and documentation. The result indicated that the rural community perceived higher education in a less enthusiastic manner since they didn’t prioritize higher education for their children. There were several factors influencing this perception, internally and externally. In responding to higher education, the rural community didn’t really show a positive perception.