• Nearly three in four report declines in critical thinking (73%), communication and interpersonal skills (69%) and work ethic (68%)
• Decline attributed to growing dependence on artificial intelligence (AI) and technology (70%), increased social media distractions (65%), reduced academic rigor (54%) and lingering learning gaps (53%)
• Beyond preparedness, over half (54%) say AI threatens entry-level work

New data released today from Cengage’s “Employability Report Special Edition – Instructor Perspective on Workplace Readiness” reveals that while most college instructors believe today's graduates are prepared to enter the workforce (83%), many see a long-term decline in overall workforce readiness. More than half (58%) say the Class of 2026 is less prepared for work than graduates from a decade ago (Class of 2016), citing weaker critical thinking, communication and interpersonal skills, as well as greater dependence on technology and AI.

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The findings, which surveyed nearly 800 college educators, come amid broader concerns about student learning outcomes nationwide. A recent analysis of student test scores by researchers at Stanford, Harvard and Dartmouth found that declines in student reading and math performance began years before the COVID-19 pandemic, suggesting many of the challenges instructors observe today may reflect long-term trends in academic preparedness rather than pandemic disruptions alone.

“Today's graduates have access to more technology, resources and career-focused learning opportunities than ever before,” said Michael Hansen, Cengage CEO. “Yet, instructors overwhelmingly indicate that human-centered skills like critical thinking, communication, professionalism and resilience are areas where students need the most support. That concern, coupled with employers who continue to raise expectations for entry-level talent, signals a growing disconnect between academic preparation and workplace readiness. This disconnect underscores the need for educational transformation – something that Cengage is focused on driving by helping institutions better connect learning to outcomes and workforce preparedness."

The growing gap in preparedness is noticeable among instructors who note striking differences in today’s students compared to 10 years ago, including:

• Lower reading, writing and critical thinking skills (73%)
• Greater reliance on technology and AI (72%)
• More distraction from technology and social media (72%)
• Weaker communication and interpersonal skills (69%)
• Declines in work ethic, resilience and accountability (68%)

However, despite these concerns, instructors remain largely confident in this year's graduates with 83% saying the Class of 2026 is prepared to enter the workforce. Notably, almost one in three (31%) say today's graduates are better prepared, citing learning advantages such as:

• Curriculum that better reflects current workforce needs (66%)
• Greater emphasis on real-world applications (65%)
• Improved access to resources, tools and information (64%)
• Stronger focus on career readiness and practical skills (60%)
• More hands-on, experiential learning opportunities (59%)

Beyond concerns about graduate preparedness, instructors are increasingly focused on how AI is changing the future of entry-level work. More than half (54%) believe AI will negatively impact entry-level job opportunities in the next three to five years. Concern is highest among Business and Economics (71%), Humanities and Social Sciences (64%) and STEM (57%) instructors.

To better prepare students to compete with AI and build skills alongside AI literacy, instructors recommend adapting learning approaches to:

• Strengthen critical thinking, problem-solving and writing skills (79%)
• Teach communication, teamwork, professionalism and time management (66%)
• Expand hands-on and experiential learning opportunities (61%)
• Increase academic rigor and accountability (57%)
• Teach students to use AI and technology responsibly and effectively (54%)

"What we're seeing is not a loss of confidence in today's graduates, but an evolution in how instructors think about workforce readiness," said Kim Russell, Senior Vice President of Research, User Experience and Design at Cengage. "While most educators believe students are prepared to enter the workforce, they increasingly recognize that succeeding in today's workplace requires more than technical knowledge alone. Instructors are placing greater emphasis on the human-centered skills that employers consistently value — critical thinking, communication, resilience and professionalism — especially as AI continues to reshape how work gets done."

For more information about instructors’ and graduates’ response to career readiness, click here.

Methodology
The Cengage “Employability Report Special Edition – Instructor Perspective on Workplace Readiness” surveyed 759 college and university instructors across the United States to better understand perceptions of graduate workforce readiness, evolving skill needs and the future impact of AI on employment opportunities.

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.

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“Instructors overwhelmingly indicate that human-centered skills like critical thinking, communication, professionalism and resilience are areas where students need the most support." - Michael Hansen, Cengage CEO