Education and Workforce Industry Research
Research at Cengage Group
As an industry-leading, global edtech company, keeping a pulse on the trends shaping education and the workforce is vitally importance to ensure we are evolving our offerings to best meet the needs of students and educators.
Cengage Group's comprehensive, global research spans the entire learning spectrum, from early childhood to lifelong education. By combining rigorous qualitative and quantitative methods, we uncover critical trends and needs, driving innovation and strategic decisions. We don’t just track trends—we anticipate them, giving Cengage Group the foresight to stay ahead. As a trusted partner, we empower educational leaders to shape the future of learning with confidence and clarity.
Below is a compilation of our recent research, including links to press releases and blog posts where you can learn more.
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Graduate Employability Report
Cengage Group’s annual Graduate Employability Report looks to understand the state of the job market for recent graduates, and how their educational pursuits are preparing them for the job market. The research report polls both recent graduates and employers (individuals responsible for hiring across various industries).
AI and Education
AI presents an immense opportunity to enhance learning, create efficiencies and foster innovation. Our AI research looks to better understand the challenges this advanced technology is creating in the clasroom and the workforce, and also the opportunity it creates to enhance learning and strengthen employability.
“At Cengage Group, understanding the education markets we serve is critical to developing products and services that meet the evolving needs of learners and educators.”
- Kimberly Russell, Vice President, Research
The Great Resignation
In 2021, following the workplace disruptions caused by the pandemic, employee resignations reached an all-time peak in what has since been called "The Great Resignation." Cengage Group’s Great Resigners report sought to learn more about those who quit their jobs or were planning to leave within six months.
Our follow-up report, released in 2023, revealed that many of those who left for new opportunities during "The Great Resignation" were satisfied in their new roles. Read more about the initial Great Resigners report and the follow-up, "One Year Later" in the press releases and blog posts linked below.
Student Affordability
As students began to return to college campuses in 2022, the vast majority struggled to cover expenses independently. The rising costs of tuition, combined with limited financial buffers for students, continue to test the faith in college education. Despite this, students generally felt that their education was worth the cost, provided it led to near-term financial independence.
Barriers to Post-Secondary Education
In the summer of 2021, Cengage Group surveyed current students and recent post-secondary dropouts to understand the biggest impacts on completing their education. The global pandemic exacerbated existing challenges, including the already tight cost of living and tuition fees for students. In addition, the flexibility of online learning continues to be at the forefront of whether students graduate.
Research from our Businesses
At Cengage Group, our portfolio of education businesses supports students from middle school through graduate school and skills education. Here, you'll find a collection of recent research reports from our businesses delving deeper into topics effecting their unique education markets.