Cengage Work Learner Outcomes Report Raises the Bar for Accountability in Workforce Education

Verified data shows Cengage Work learners achieve 9–14% wage growth within one year and employment rates of 79–91%, with faster entry into the workforce.

BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Cengage Work, the workforce skills training segment of global edtech company Cengage, today released the third edition of its Cengage Work Learner Outcomes Report, offering a transparent view of how workforce education and upskilling programs translate into real-world employment results. Based on payroll-record data validated by a global credit bureau, the report tracks learner employment and wage progression over time across Cengage Work brands, revealing sustained, positive economic outcomes.

The 2026 Cengage Work Learner Outcomes Report found learners experience strong employment rates and income growth across Cengage Work’s key sectors, including business, healthcare, trades and personal services. Notable takeaways include:

• Learners experience average wage increases of 9-14% within 12 months across Cengage Work programs, with continued growth through 24 months.
• Workforce certification program learners earn an average of $45,573 at completion, increasing to $50,521 after one year (11% increase) and $53,554 after two years (18% increase). Business programs show particularly strong gains, averaging a 46% wage increase after two years, while construction and trades programs average a 29.5% increase over the same period.
• Cybersecurity upskilling program completers show sustained wage progression, reaching $146,740 from $129,837 (13% increase) within 24 months, and achieve a 91% employment rate within one year, the highest across Cengage Work.
• Across Cengage Work, completion rates exceed 90%, with some programs reaching 94%. Verified employment rates range from 79% to 91% within one year of completion.

Across upskilling programs and industries, wage growth begins immediately following completion and continues to compound over time. Programs in technology and business yield the highest median wages, while service and skilled-trade fields demonstrate the fastest relative gains.

“As learners increasingly seek education that leads directly to employment, success can no longer be defined by enrollment or completion alone,” said Justin Singh, Executive Vice President and General Manager, Cengage Work. “For learners, choosing an educational pathway is a high-stakes decision. This report reflects our commitment to accountability by showing clearly and transparently what happens after learning ends. By measuring outcomes, such as employment rates and salaries, we are giving learners the information they need to make informed choices and holding ourselves responsible for delivering real results.”

Learners Transition Into Jobs Faster Than the National Average

Verified time-to-employment data show that Cengage Work learners transition into jobs faster than the national average. This early momentum reflects the immediate value of job-aligned skills training, as learners are able to move quickly into roles that put their new skills to work. Together with sustained employment outcomes, these results demonstrate how skills-based education accelerates the path from learning to measurable economic mobility.

“What makes these findings meaningful is not just the outcomes, but how they were measured,” said Dr. Marco Krcatovich II, Senior Director of Market & Strategy Research at Cengage, who led the analysis for the Cengage Work Outcomes Report. “Every wage and employment figure in this report is confirmed through employer-reported payroll data. That level of independent validation allows us to follow learners beyond completion and measure real earnings progression over time.”

By relying on verified payroll records rather than self-reported surveys, Cengage Work establishes a transparent benchmark for accountability in workforce education. The report moves beyond promises or anecdotal success stories to measure sustained employment, documented wage growth and long-term economic mobility. By publicly sharing these independently validated results, Cengage Work reinforces its commitment to continuous improvement and learner success for the more than one million learners it serves across high-demand sectors.

The full 2026 Cengage Work Learner Outcomes Report will be available at cengagework.com/learning-outcomes.

About Cengage Work

Through career-driven programs, Cengage Work, the workforce skills segment of global edtech company Cengage, supports individuals, institutions and employers in preparing for high-demand fields including healthcare, cybersecurity, manufacturing, skilled trades and beauty and wellness education.

With partnerships across thousands of institutions and employers, and a leading position in career and technical education, the business expands access to non-degree credentials that deliver practical, job-ready outcomes across the career journey. To date, Cengage has helped millions of workers gain employable skills, pursue new career paths and achieve meaningful wage growth. To learn more about Cengage Work, visit cengagework.com.

About Cengage

Cengage, a global edtech company, supports learners, educators and institutions across more than 100 countries. With products serving nearly 16 million digital users across the Higher Education, School, Work and English Language Learning markets, we’ve built a learning ecosystem that connects education to employment. We combine trusted content, AI-powered insights and scalable digital platforms to power learning for every future and drive meaningful outcomes at every stage of the learning journey. Visit us at www.cengagegroup.com or find us on LinkedIn or X.