Penn Foster Research Reveals a New Definition of Career Success

"The Career Economy: 2026" highlights how economic pressures, AI, and shifting hiring practices are changing how Americans define and pursue career success.

CHANDLER, Ariz., Oct. 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Penn Foster, one of the nation's leading providers of online education and workforce development programs, today released a new report, The Career Economy: 2026. The study examines how the traditional definition of career success is evolving as economic uncertainty, a volatile jobs economy, artificial intelligence, and shifting employer expectations transform the world of work.

Drawing on original consumer research and labor market data, the report finds that Americans are placing greater value on career pathways that deliver practical skills and tangible outcomes.

"Career success means different things to different people, and today's workforce is increasingly seeking pathways that align with their individual goals," said Kermit Cook, CEO, Penn Foster. "Whether success means financial stability, career advancement, meaningful work, or flexibility, people want options that help them get there efficiently and affordably."

Key findings from the report include:

• Career confidence is declining. 1 in 4 Americans say they feel less confident in their ability to build a stable, financially successful career than they did three years ago, with cost of living emerging as the leading obstacle to career growth.
  
  
• Workers are seeking faster, more affordable pathways. 70% of Americans would spend no more than one year training for a new career, and 70% would spend no more than $2,500 out of pocket to do so.
  
  
• Skills-based hiring continues to gain momentum. 70% of employers now use skills-based hiring practices, reflecting a growing emphasis on demonstrated capabilities alongside traditional credentials.
  
  
• AI is changing entry-level work. More than 40% of employers report that artificial intelligence has already increased analytical expectations for entry-level roles, while nearly 40% of core workforce skills are expected to change by 2030.
  
  
• Opportunity remains strong in key industries. Healthcare, skilled trades, and veterinary medicine continue to offer promising pathways for workers seeking stability, growth, and advancement opportunities.

The report suggests that while labor market conditions remain complex, opportunity persists for individuals who can develop in-demand skills and adapt to changing workforce needs. Meanwhile, employers are increasingly looking beyond traditional indicators such as degrees and GPAs to identify qualified candidates.

As workforce needs continue to evolve, Penn Foster helps organizations build sustainable talent pipelines and expand internal mobility through career-focused education and training. The organization partners with more than 150 employers and workforce organizations, 171 academic institutions, and more than 7,000 high schools nationwide. In 2025, 93,000 learners completed Penn Foster programs, in programs designed to help build skilled talent pipelines and support career-advancement opportunities.

"The workforce is changing rapidly, and organizations need new approaches to talent development," said Cook. "By partnering with Penn Foster, employers can easily navigate ongoing economic, technological and workforce trends with confidence and ensure their organizations and employees are prepared for whatever might come next."

To download the full report, click here.

About Penn Foster 
Penn Foster is a leading provider of online, career-focused education for learners seeking flexible pathways to high school completion and careers in high-demand fields such as healthcare and veterinary care. A pioneer in accessible education for more than a century, Penn Foster has helped generations of learners build practical skills and earn credentials aligned with workforce needs. Founded in 1890, Penn Foster focuses on creating pathways to greater economic mobility through real-world, in-demand skills designed to support long-term success in a rapidly evolving job market. Learn more at pennfoster.edu.  

Methodology
This research was commissioned by Penn Foster and conducted by Panoplai among a census-representative sample of 519 U.S. adults and was fielded on July 22, 2026.

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SOURCE Penn Foster