2023

LearnerOutcomes
ReportIntroduction

Core findings

Spotlights

Appendix2023 Coursera Learner Outcomes Report

Contents

Introduction

Core findings

Spotlights

Appendix

03 Letter from Coursera’s
Chief Content Officer

08 Career benefits

21 Micro-credentials

33

Methodology

12 Personal benefits

24 Countries

35

Demographics

04 Executive summary

17 Workforce development

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Appendix2023 Coursera Learner Outcomes Report

Letter from Coursera’s Chief Content Officer
Coursera’s mission is rooted in serving the world through learning so everyone—regardless of location, socioeconomic status, or personal
circumstance—has the power to unleash their full potential. This impact is most profound when learning on Coursera unlocks new job
opportunities and career advancement.
To help measure the progress we’re making toward this goal, I’m pleased to introduce our most extensive Learner Outcomes Report ever,created in collaboration with Huron Consulting Group. The report gathers insights from more than 55,000 learners across over 190 countries tounderstand how Coursera helps learners reach their career and personal goals. The results highlight the transformative impact of online learning:•

77% of learners (and 91% in developing economies) report career benefits, such as getting a new job, earning a promotion, gaining
applicable career skills, and more.

•

95% of learners (and 99% in developing economies) report personal benefits, such as gaining more confidence, feeling more accomplished,
and more.

•

30% of unemployed learners were employed after completing their most recent course or program on Coursera.

•

1 in 4 Entry-Level Professional Certificate completers got a new job.

OUR MISSION

We provide universal
access to world-classlearning so that anyone,
anywhere, has the power
to transform their lives
through learning.

In addition to results for learners worldwide, the report delves into the benefits of online education for learners in developing economies andspecific countries with a high concentration of Coursera learners—such as India, the U.K., Mexico, and more. It also highlights the impact on
low-income learners and first-generation college students in the U.S., uncovering the critical role high-quality online education plays in helping
those who need it most.
As technology advancements like generative AI and demand for remote roles reshape the job market, online learning can empower learners withthe skills needed to thrive in this rapidly changing environment. We’re encouraged by the stories of our learners and how our partners’ content
is helping individuals around the world advance their careers and enrich their lives. But our work is far from over. Together with our world-classuniversity and industry partners, we will work tirelessly to help anyone, anywhere create a brighter future for themselves and their communities.

Marni Baker Stein
Chief Content Officer, Coursera
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Appendix2023 Coursera Learner Outcomes Report

Executive summary
In January 2023, Coursera commissioned Huron Consulting Group to survey learners about how their recently completed course or programon Coursera helped them achieve their career and personal goals. This report details findings from more than 55,000 learners across over 190
countries, underscoring the impact that Coursera and its world-class university and industry partners have had on learners at all stages of
their career and personal journeys.
Most learners come to Coursera to transform their careers: 85% want to land their first professional job, switch careers, or advance in theircurrent roles. Due to this overwhelming preference for career development, all data in this report focuses specifically on career-focusedlearners on Coursera and explores the following themes:

1

Career benefits

2

Personal benefits

Learners report new skills, increased pay,
and new job opportunities

Learners become more confident and fulfilled,
inspiring them to continue learning

77% of learners say learning on Coursera has helped theircareers, and one in four Entry-Level Professional Certificatecompleters report getting a new job. Coursera is making
particular strides in serving learners who need it most—91%
of learners in developing economies and 67% of U.S. learners
with a low income report career benefits.

95% of learners report personal benefits from learning on
Coursera—62% increased their confidence and nearly half felt they
have more opportunities for career growth.
As learners gain confidence, they want to continue to grow. Nearlyall (98%) learners intend to continue learning, with 38% planningto enroll in an online or in-person degree program, and 75%
intending to enroll in another course or program on Coursera.

3

Workforce development

Learners gain skills for in-demand jobs
The report also demonstrates how Coursera is providing
workers all over the world with job-relevant skills. 30% of
unemployed learners were employed after completing
their most recent course or program on Coursera, and 72%
of learners enrolled in workforce development programs
through Coursera for Government saw career benefits.

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Appendix2023 Coursera Learner Outcomes Report

55K+

Learner survey responses

190+

Countries represented

12K

Age
18-24
25-34
35-44
45-54
55-64
65+

21%

31%

37%
22%

Male

5%

Middle East

5%

13%

3%

5K

9%

Latin America

42%

8%

7K
India

13%

7K

Asia Pacific

4K
Africa55%

See Methodology in Appendix for detailed information on data collection and full demographics.

1

3K

21%

North America

10%

Gender identity1
Female17K

EuropeNote: Middle East refers to Middle East and North Africa while Africa refers to Sub-Saharan Africa. Asia Pacific is excluding India.

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Appendix2023 Coursera Learner Outcomes Report

Learners come to Coursera to transform their careers
Learners across the globe enroll in courses or programs on Coursera with the objective of landing their first professional job,switching careers, or advancing in their current role.

Primary learner goals

Top learner outcomes desired

What was your primary goal for enrolling in the most recent
Coursera course or program you completed? (Select one.)1

What career outcomes did you hope to achieve by enrolling in themost recent Coursera course or program you completed?2

24%

Learn skills to get
hired into my first
professional job

32%
85%

Develop my skills
to advance in mycurrent role or geta promotion

Career learners

29%

Switch to a differentrole by developing
new skills¹n=50,172, chart excludes non-responders and learners who chose Other; ²n=40,926

1.

Get a new job

2.

Increase my job interview offers

3.

Increase my salary or pay

4.

Earn a degree or career credential to get the job I want5.

Receive a promotion

15%

Learn about personal
interest topics (notfor work)

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Appendix2023 Coursera Learner Outcomes Report

Core findings

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Appendix2023 Coursera Learner Outcomes Report

Career benefits

Learners report new skills, increased pay,
and new job opportunities“

I was looking to use automation to improve the operational
efficiency of the business my husband and I own. Thanks tothe programming courses I took, we increased our annual
revenue by more than 33% YoY.
Beth F., learner from the U.S.
Python Specializations, incl. Python for Everyone
University of Michigan

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Appendix2023 Coursera Learner Outcomes Report

Most learners report career benefits from learning on Coursera
Learners on Coursera are achieving career outcomes, from getting a new job and increasing their pay, to gaining skills and improving theirperformance at work.

77%

What career outcome(s) did you achieve by enrolling in the most recent Coursera
course or program you completed?²of global learners report career benefits1
Receive a promotion

14%

Get a new job

17%

Increase my salary or pay

18%

Increase my job interview offers

19%

Earned a degree or career credential to get the job I wanted

20%

Increase my colleagues’/coworkers’ confidence in me

41%
Tangible outcomes

30%

Decide whether a role or career path is right for me

43%

Improve my performance at work

43%

Gain skills I can apply in my career

62%

Feel more knowledgeable

71%

Tangible outcomes are visible achievements suchas getting a new job, receiving a pay raise, or earninga career credential.
Note: all data excludes learners who selected a non-career related primary goal for learning on Coursera; Survey questions: ¹Has learning on
Coursera benefited your career? (n=41,742); ²What career outcome(s) have you achieved by enrolling in the most recent Coursera course orprogram you completed? (n=40,926), includes learners who reported achieving the outcome who had a stated career goal for taking content
on Coursera, regardless of whether they hoped to achieve the outcome; chart excludes “Other,” which 8% of learners selected.

82%
Intrinsic outcomes

Intrinsic outcomes are internal achievements, suchas gaining new skills, feeling more knowledgeable,
and deciding on the right career path.

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Appendix2023 Coursera Learner Outcomes Report

Career benefits are outsized for learners in developing economies
Learners in developing economies report an even higher rate of career impact. Nearly all learners in countries such as Ethiopia, Nigeria,
and Pakistan report career benefits from learning on Coursera. Increasing access to high-quality, job-focused education can provide a pathway
for social mobility and, ultimately, economic development.

91%

44%

85%

achieved a tangible outcome2of learners in developing economies
report career benefits1

27%

achieved an intrinsic outcome 3

70%

got a new job or increased their job interview offers

felt more knowledgeable

22%

64%

14%

49%

earned a degree or career credential

increased salary or pay

gained skills to apply in their career

decided whether a role or career path was right for themNote: Countries with a developing economy are countries that have a Low Human Development Index (HDI) (less than .550). A low HDI indicates a poor standard of living, including low life expectancy, lack of educational attainment, and low income as defined by the UN Development Program (Source); Survey questions: ¹Has learning on Coursera benefited your career?
(n=3,062); 2,3What career outcome(s) have you achieved by enrolling in the most recent Coursera course or program you completed? (n=3,003); Total career learners from Low HDI countries = 3,154

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Appendix2023 Coursera Learner Outcomes Report

U.S. learners of all backgrounds are achieving their career goals
Data from low-income learners, first-generation college students, and individuals without a Bachelor’s degree in the U.S. highlights that Coursera isserving populations that are poised to benefit the most from access to high-quality education.

Low-income learners1

First-generation college students2

Learners without a Bachelor’s degree3

67%

67%

report career benefits

65%

report career benefits

54%

58%

56%

26%

24%

24%

11%

16%

18%

report career benefits

gained skills they could apply in their career

got a new job or increased their job interview offers

increased salary or pay

gained skills they could apply in their career

got a new job or increased their job interview offers

increased salary or pay

gained skills they could apply in their career

got a new job or increased their job interview offers

increased salary or pay

n =2,068, U.S. low-income learners are defined as those reporting an annual income of $20,000 or less (normalizing to the US Dollar); 2n=3,744, U.S. first-generation college students are defined as first-generation college or university students in this report; 3n=2,581, U.S. learners without a Bachelor’s degree. Note: Survey questions: Has learning on Coursera benefited yourcareer? (Low-income n=2,068 (US); First-gen n=3,742 (US); No Bachelor’s n=2,580 (US)); What career outcome(s) have you achieved by enrolling in the most recent Coursera course or program you completed? (Low-income n=2,007 (US); First-gen n=3,744(US); No Bachelor’s n=2,474 (US))
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Personal benefits

Learners become more confident and fulfilled,
inspiring them to continue learning“

It didn’t teach me everything there is to know about
psychology but it gave me the courage to embark on thisnew journey with confidence and conviction. I haveenrolled in a degree program to further pursue my dream.
Ulli H., learner from the U.S.
Introduction to Psychology
Yale University

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Appendix2023 Coursera Learner Outcomes Report

Nearly every learner feels better about themselves and their
futures after learning on Coursera
Learning has the power to transform individuals, families, and entire communities. Learners feel more confident and capable—ready to takeon new tasks at work and share what they’ve learned with friends and family.

95%

How else have you benefited from the most recent Coursera course or program you
completed? (Select all that apply.)1of global learners reportpersonal benefits

I feel more confident

62%

I gained a sense of accomplishment or fulfillment

62%
54%

I feel more capable of taking on new learning initiatives
47%

I feel I have more opportunities for career growth34%

I am more likely to share my knowledge with friends and family
I am more inclined to pursue or complete a degree program

24%

I took on more responsibilities at work (e.g., new project, leadership role)20%
6%

I was admitted to a degree/education program
Other benefit

2%¹n=39,382, personal benefits aggregated from unique learner respondents who reported at least one or more additional benefits from their most recent Coursera course or program; chart excludes non-responders and learners who chose None.

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Appendix2023 Coursera Learner Outcomes Report

The majority of learners plan to pursue further education
After gaining confidence and new skills, learners are inspired and motivated to continue their journey, with many feeling ready to invest
in the most transformative credential: the degree.

In which of the following ways do you intend to continue to learn? (Select all that apply.)1
100%

98%
75%

75%
50%

47%
25%

38%

38%

30%

80%

of degree-interested learners
intend to enroll in an online
degree program20%
Continue to learn(all responses)

Enroll in another course orprogram on Coursera¹n=37,238; ²Of degree-interested learners (14,148), 11,263 intend to enroll in an online degree program.

On-the-job training

Study on YouTube

Enroll in an online orin-person degree program

Enroll in another e-learning
provider’s course or program

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Appendix2023 Coursera Learner Outcomes Report

Learners in developing economies experience greater personal benefits
Learners in developing economies, many of whom may not have access to higher education, are gaining confidence in the future of their education journey.
All learners are eager to continue learning and see how their newfound knowledge can further transform their careers.

99%

How else have you benefited from the most recent Coursera course or program
you completed? (Select all that apply.)1of learners in developing economies
report personal benefits

I feel more confident

71%

I gained a sense of accomplishment or fulfillment

70%
64%

I feel more capable of taking on new learning initiatives
58%

I feel I have more opportunities for career growth44%

I am more likely to share my knowledge with friends and family
31%

I am more inclined to pursue or complete a degree program
23%

I took on more responsibilities at work (e.g., new project, leadership role)6%

I was admitted to a degree/education program
Other

1%

In which of the following ways do you intend to continue to learn? (Select all that apply.)2
100%

Continue to learn (all responses)
83%

Enroll in another course or program on Coursera
Enroll in an online or in-person degree program

44%

Note: Countries with developing economies are countries that have a Low Human Development Index (HDI) (less than .550). A low HDI indicates a poor standard of living, including low life expectancy, lack of educational attainment, and low income as defined by the UN
Development Program (Source). Survey questions: 1How else have you benefited from the most recent Coursera course or program you completed? (Select all that apply.); chart excludes non-responders and learners who chose None (n=2,838); 2In which of the following
ways do you intend to continue to learn? (Select all that apply.) (n=2,666); Total career learners from Low HDI countries = 3,154.

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Appendix2023 Coursera Learner Outcomes Report

U.S. learners who typically face education barriers are seeing
personal benefits
In the U.S., online learning is enhancing the sense of accomplishment in learners without a college degree, individuals with a low income,and first-generation college students. With increased confidence in themselves and their learning abilities, many are ready to take a monumental
step and enroll in a degree program.

Low-income learners1

First-generation college students2

Learners without a Bachelor’s degree3

89%

89%

89%

61%

62%

gained a sense of accomplishment or fulfillment

gained a sense of accomplishment or fulfillment

46%

44%

44%

35%

33%

39%

report personal benefits

gained a sense of accomplishment or fulfillment

felt they have more opportunities for career growth

intend to enroll in an online or in-person degree program

report personal benefits

felt they have more opportunities for career growth

intend to enroll in an online or in-person degree program

report personal benefits

61%

felt they have more opportunities for career growth

intend to enroll in an online or in-person degree program

n =2,068, U.S. low-income learners are defined as those reporting an annual income of $20,000 or less (normalizing to the US Dollar); 2n=3,744, U.S. first-generation students are defined as first-generation college or university students in this report; 3n=2,581, U.S. learners without a Bachelor’s degree; Note: Survey questions: How else have you benefited from the most recent
Coursera course or program you completed? (Select all that apply.) (Low-income n=1,948 (US)), First-gen n=3,739 (US); No Bachelor’s n=2,381 (US)); In which of the following ways do you intend to continue to learn? (Select all that apply.) (Low-income n=1,882 (US)), First-gen n=3,694 (US); No Bachelor’s n=2,185 (US))
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Workforce development

Learners are gaining skills forin-demand jobs“

As a graduate in industrial maintenance engineering andhaving started as a self-taught programmer, the Meta BackEnd Developer Professional Certificate greatly improved mycoding, problem solving, and debugging skills. I got an entrylevel IT Support role after my certification.
Peter O., learner from Nigeria
Meta Back-End Developer Professional Certificate

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Appendix2023 Coursera Learner Outcomes Report

Nearly a third of unemployed learners secured jobs after
completing their most recent course or program on Coursera
Many learners around the world who reported being unemployed prior to enrolling in their most recent course or program found full-time or parttime employment post-completion. In the U.S., even more learners were able to secure jobs, and almost half felt their course or program opened
up more opportunities for career growth.

Employment rate for unemployed learners1

U.S. unemployed learners²

30%

60%

of unemployed learners found employment

33%

of unemployed U.S. learners found employment

87%

report career benefits

50%

gained skills to apply in their career

19%

earned a degree or career credential

12%

increased salary or pay

report personal benefits

58%

gained a sense of accomplishment or fulfillment

45%

felt they have more opportunities for career growth31%

intend to enroll in an online or in-person degree program¹n=7,739, 1,586 (US), Note: Survey questions: Which of the following describes your employment status before enrolling in the most recent Coursera course or program you completed? (Select all that apply.); Which of the following describes your employment status after the most recent Coursera course or program you completed? (Select all that apply.)(n=7,739); ²(n=1,586 (US)); Has learning on Coursera benefited
your career? (n=1,524 (US)); What career outcome(s) have you achieved by enrolling in the most recent Coursera course or program you completed? (n=1,476 (US)); How else have you benefited from the most recent Coursera course or program you completed? (Select all that apply.) (n=1,585 (US)); In which of the following ways do you intend to continue to learn? (Select all that apply.) (n=1,386 (US))

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Appendix2023 Coursera Learner Outcomes Report

Learners from workforce development programs gained job-relevant
skills and feel they have more opportunities for career growth
Governments around the world partner with Coursera to reskill citizens and deliver online training programs at scale, which is critical amid
potential job dislocation caused by emerging AI technologies. Two-thirds of learners in these workforce development programs feel more
accomplished. Half believe online learning has enhanced their prospects for career advancement.1

72%

93%

report career benefits52%

gained skills to apply in theircareer19%

got a new job or increased theirjob interview offers

report personal benefits

12%

increased salary or pay

66%

gained a sense ofaccomplishment or fulfillment

50%

felt they have more
opportunities for career growth¹n=537, Note: Respondents included learners from select US and Caribbean workforce development programs launched after 2020; Survey questions: Has learning on Coursera benefited your career? (n=532); What career outcome(s) have you achieved by enrolling in the most recent Coursera
course or program you completed? (n=518); How else have you benefited from the most recent Coursera course or program you completed? (Select all that apply.) (n=493); In which of the following ways do you intend to continue to learn? (Select all that apply.) (n=475)

38%

intend to enroll in an online
or in-person degree program

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Appendix2023 Coursera Learner Outcomes Report

Spotlights

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Appendix2023 Coursera Learner Outcomes Report

Micro-credentials
Micro-credentials focus on a specific set of learning outcomes in a narrow field of study and can be completed over ashorter period of time.¹ Offered by universities, industry educators, and other organizations, they are designed to be more
flexible and accessible to help learners quickly master a specific set of skills.
With the rapidly changing demands of the labor market, micro-credentials, such as Professional Certificates andSpecializations on Coursera, have become increasingly popular in helping learners gain in-demand skills to transform theircareers. These programs can also serve as a pathway toward more advanced credentials, such as degrees.

“

While I had project management skills learned ‘on the job’ asa classroom teacher for over a decade, I lacked a frameworkand vocabulary for communicating my proficiency topotential employers.
After completing the Google Professional Certificate, I felt
confident to discuss my skills, and I have accepted a newposition and increased my salary by $20,000.
Kate M., learner from USA
Project Management: Professional Certificate
Google¹Towards a common definition of micro-credentials, UNESCO, 2022

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Entry-Level Professional Certificates
Entry-Level Professional Certificates were launched on Coursera in 2018 and are already helping learners secure jobs and increase their salaries.
These micro-credentials, which are created by top companies including Google, Meta, and IBM, help learners without a college degree or priorexperience gain the skills needed for high-demand, entry-level jobs in fields such as social media marketing, data analysis, and IT.

72%

93%

report career benefits

52% achieved a tangible outcome
28%

got a new job

28%

earned a degree or
career credential

27%

increased salaryor payConfidence
27%

increased theirinterview job offers

65%

gained a sense ofaccomplishment or fulfillment

86% achieved an intrinsic outcome
77%

felt more knowledgeable69%

gained skills toapply in their careerreport personal benefits

59%

50%

felt more confident

felt they have more
opportunities for career growth

59%

35%

Further education
53%

decided whether a role or
career path was right for them96%

intend to continue to learn

Note:*The sample size for Entry-Level Professional Certificates is 3,913. Survey questions: Has learning on Coursera benefited your career? (n=3,887); What career outcome(s) have you achieved by enrolling in the most recent Coursera course or program
you completed?(n=3,791); How else have you benefited from the most recent Coursera course or program you completed? (Select all that apply.) (3,699); In which of the following ways do you intend to continue to learn? (Select all that apply.) (3,529).

intend to enroll in anothercourse or program on Coursera

intend to enroll in an online
or in-person degree program

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Appendix2023 Coursera Learner Outcomes Report

Specializations
Specializations are a series of rigorous courses and hands-on projects created by leading universities and companies. Within 3-6 months,
learners can master a specific skill to advance their careers—nearly a quarter of learners increased their salary and almost half improved
their performance at work.

81%

96%

report career benefits

47% achieved a tangible outcome
24%

increased theirinterview job offers

22%

increased salaryor pay22%

earned a degree or
career credential

Confidence
20%

got a new job

68%

gained a sense ofaccomplishment or fulfillment

86% achieved an intrinsic outcome
76%

felt more knowledgeable70%

gained skills to apply in their careerreport personal benefits

67%

49%

felt more confident

felt they have more
opportunities for career growth

78%

39%

Further education48%

improved theirperformance at work98%

intend to continue to learn

Note: The sample size for Specialization completers is 2,484. Survey questions: Has learning on Coursera benefited your career? (n=2,460); What career outcome(s) have you achieved by enrolling in the most recent Coursera course or program you
completed? (n=2,388); How else have you benefited from the most recent Coursera course or program you completed? (Select all that apply.) (n=2,317); In which of the following ways do you intend to continue to learn? (Select all that apply.) (2,230).

intend to enroll in anothercourse or program on Coursera

intend to enroll in an online orin-person degree program

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Appendix2023 Coursera Learner Outcomes ReportCountries
Remote work has created new opportunities for the global workforce. At the same time technology, such as generative
AI, is shifting the way almost every job task is performed. In its recent Future of Jobs Report, the World Economic Forumfound that 23% of jobs will be disrupted in the next five years.1
These country spotlights feature countries with a high concentration of learners on Coursera—and highlight how online
education has empowered learners worldwide to face an uncertain future with confidence.

“

I was able to share what I learned with my team, andbecame more confident in company meetings. It
strengthened my LinkedIn profile, and I got freelancing
offers and a steady job offer.
Mai A., learner from Egypt
Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
University of California, Davis

World Economic Forum, Future of Jobs Survey, 2023

1

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North America

United States
68%

Primary learner goal
Land first professional job

17%

Switch to a different role

felt more knowledgeable

gained skills to apply in theircareer

61%

40%

25%

20%

19%

got a new job or increased theirjob interview offers

increased salary or pay

earned a degree or career
credential

90%

63%

53%

45%

96%

64%

54%

32%

report career benefits

36%

Advance in current role32%

Learn for personal interest

71%

14%

improved their performanceat work

Products completed
81%

CourseProfessional Certificate
Specialization

14%

report personal benefits

4%

University Certificate

0.2%

Degree0.7%

Entry-Level Professional Certificates
Got a new job

31%

Increased salary or pay

29%

intend to continue learning

gained a sense ofaccomplishment or fulfillment

intend to enroll in anothercourse or program on Coursera

felt more confident

intend to do on-the-job training

felt they have more
opportunities for career growth

intend to enroll in an online orin-person degree program

Specializations
Got a new job

22%

Increased salary or pay

26%

n=7,068, primary learner goal excludes non-responders and learners who chose Other; additional data excludes learners who selected a non-career related primary goal for learning on Coursera (n=5,698); Survey questions: What was your primary goal for enrolling in the most recent Coursera course
or program you completed?(Select one.)(n=6,412); Has learning on Coursera benefited your career? (n=5,594); What career outcome(s) have you achieved by enrolling in the most recent Coursera course or program you completed? (n=5,240), Entry-Level Professional Certificates and Specializations notincluded due to insufficient sample size; How else have you benefited from the most recent Coursera course or program you completed? (Select all that apply.)(n=5,078); In which of the following ways do you intend to continue to learn? (Select all that apply.)(n=4,824)

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Appendix2023 Coursera Learner Outcomes Report

Asia Pacific

India
89%

Primary learner goal
Land first professional job

48%

Switch to a different role

felt more knowledgeable

gained skills to apply in theircareer

62%

43%

31%

27%

15%

got a new job or increased theirjob interview offers

earned a degree or career
credential

increased salary or pay

97%

63%

70%

47%

99%

79%

46%

36%

report career benefits

17%

Advance in current role24%

Learn for personal interest

70%

11%

improved their performanceat work

Products completed
88%

CourseProfessional Certificate

7%Specialization

5%

University Certificate

report personal benefits

gained a sense ofaccomplishment or fulfillment

felt more confident

felt they have more
opportunities for career growth

0.1%

intend to continue learning

intend to enroll in anothercourse or program on Coursera

intend to do on-the-job training

intend to enroll in an online orin-person degree program

n=7,068, primary learner goal excludes non-responders and learners who chose Other; additional data excludes learners who selected a non-career related primary goal for learning on Coursera (n=5,698); Survey questions: What was your primary goal for enrolling in the most recent Coursera course
or program you completed?(Select one.)(n=6,412); Has learning on Coursera benefited your career? (n=5,594); What career outcome(s) have you achieved by enrolling in the most recent Coursera course or program you completed? (n=5,240), Entry-Level Professional Certificates and Specializations notincluded due to insufficient sample size; How else have you benefited from the most recent Coursera course or program you completed? (Select all that apply.)(n=5,078); In which of the following ways do you intend to continue to learn? (Select all that apply.)(n=4,824)

26

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Core findings

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Appendix2023 Coursera Learner Outcomes Report

EuropeUnited Kingdom
70%

Primary learner goal
Land first professional job

17%

Switch to a different role

felt more knowledgeable

gained skills to apply in theircareer

64%

43%

23%

20%

17%

got a new job or increased theirjob interview offers

increased salary or pay

earned a degree or career
credential

93%

63%

56%

45%

98%

69%

59%

26%

report career benefits

29%

Advance in current role30%

Learn for personal interest

72%

24%

improved their performanceat work

Products completed
84%

CourseProfessional Certificate

9%Specialization

6%

University Certificate

report personal benefits

gained a sense ofaccomplishment or fulfillment

felt more confident

felt they have more
opportunities for career growth

0.1%

intend to continue learning

intend to enroll in anothercourse or program on Coursera

intend to do on-the-job training

intend to enroll in an online orin-person degree program

n=1,354, primary learner goal excludes non-responders and learners who chose Other; additional data excludes learners who selected a non-career related primary goal for learning on Coursera (n=898); Survey questions: What was your primary goal for enrolling in the most recent Coursera course
or program you completed?(Select one.)(n=1,183); Has learning on Coursera benefited your career? (n=888); What career outcome(s) have you achieved by enrolling in the most recent Coursera course or program you completed?(n=859), Entry-Level Professional Certificates and Specializations notincluded due to insufficient sample size; How else have you benefited from the most recent Coursera course or program you completed? (Select all that apply.)(n=837); In which of the following ways do you intend to continue to learn? (Select all that apply.) (n=799)

27

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Appendix2023 Coursera Learner Outcomes Report

EuropeGermany
71%

Primary learner goal
Land first professional job

19%

Switch to a different role

felt more knowledgeable

gained skills to apply in theircareer

64%

42%

30%

21%

19%

got a new job or increased theirjob interview offers

increased salary or pay

earned a degree or career
credential

95%

64%

62%

46%

98%

74%

56%

36%

report career benefits

30%

Advance in current role

35%

Learn for personal interest

75%

16%

improved their performanceat work

Products completed
83%

CourseProfessional Certificate

8%Specialization

9%

University Certificate

0.1%

Degree0.1%

felt more confident

report personal benefits

intend to continue learning

intend to enroll in anothercourse or program on Coursera

gained a sense ofaccomplishment or fulfillment

intend to do on-the-job training

felt they have more
opportunities for career growth

intend to enroll in an online orin-person degree program

n=1,294, primary learner goal excludes non-responders and learners who chose Other; additional data excludes learners who selected a non-career related primary goal for learning on Coursera (n=998); Survey questions: What was your primary goal for enrolling in the most recent Coursera course
or program you completed?(Select one.)(n=1,181); Has learning on Coursera benefited your career? (n=976); What career outcome(s) have you achieved by enrolling in the most recent Coursera course or program you completed? (n=757), Entry-Level Professional Certificates and Specializations notincluded due to insufficient sample size; How else have you benefited from the most recent Coursera course or program you completed? (Select all that apply.)(n=913); In which of the following ways do you intend to continue to learn? (Select all that apply.)(n=856)28

Introduction

Core findings

Spotlights

Appendix2023 Coursera Learner Outcomes Report

Latin America

Brazil85%

Primary learner goal
Land first professional job

21%

Switch to a different role

felt more knowledgeable

gained skills to apply in theircareer

71%

52%

33%

22%

21%

got a new job or increased theirjob interview offers

increased salary or pay

earned a degree or career
credential

96%

69%

59%

50%

100%

83%

50%

49%

report career benefits

29%

Advance in current role40%

Learn for personal interest

72%

10%

improved their performanceat work

Products completed
Course90%

Professional Certificate

5%Specialization

5%

University Certificate

felt more confident

report personal benefits

gained a sense ofaccomplishment or fulfillment

felt they have more
opportunities for career growth

0.1%

intend to continue learning

intend to enroll in anothercourse or program on Coursera

intend to enroll in an online orin-person degree program

intend to do on-the-job training

n=1,267, primary learner goal excludes non-responders and learners who chose Other; additional data excludes learners who selected a non-career related primary goal for learning on Coursera (n=1,040); Survey questions: What was your primary goal for enrolling in the most recent Coursera course
or program you completed?(Select one.)(n=1,150); Has learning on Coursera benefited your career? (n=1,005); What career outcome(s) have you achieved by enrolling in the most recent Coursera course or program you completed? (n=858), Entry-Level Professional Certificates and Specializations notincluded due to insufficient sample size; How else have you benefited from the most recent Coursera course or program you completed? (Select all that apply.)(n=980); In which of the following ways do you intend to continue to learn? (Select all that apply.)(n=930)

29

Introduction

Core findings

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Appendix2023 Coursera Learner Outcomes Report

Latin America

Mexico84%

Primary learner goal
Land first professional job

21%

Switch to a different role

felt more knowledgeable

gained skills to apply in theircareer

66%

51%

27%

22%

19%

got a new job or increased theirjob interview offers

increased salary or pay

earned a degree or career
credential

96%

64%

55%

50%

99%

79%

48%

47%

report career benefits

31%

Advance in current role34%

Learn for personal interest

69%

14%

improved their performanceat work

Products completed
Course90%

Professional Certificate

5%Specialization

5%

felt more confident

report personal benefits

intend to continue learning

intend to enroll in anothercourse or program on Coursera

gained a sense ofaccomplishment or fulfillment

intend to do on-the-job training

felt they have more
opportunities for career growth

intend to enroll in an online orin-person degree program

n=1,032, primary learner goal excludes non-responders and learners who chose Other; additional data excludes learners who selected a non-career related primary goal for learning on Coursera (n=786); Survey questions: What was your primary goal for enrolling in the most recent Coursera course
or program you completed?(Select one.)(n=913); Has learning on Coursera benefited your career? (n=764); What career outcome(s) have you achieved by enrolling in the most recent Coursera course or program you completed? (n=633), Entry-Level Professional Certificates and Specializations notincluded due to insufficient sample size; How else have you benefited from the most recent Coursera course or program you completed? (Select all that apply.)(n=734); In which of the following ways do you intend to continue to learn? (Select all that apply.)(n=686)30

Introduction

Core findings

Spotlights

Appendix2023 Coursera Learner Outcomes Report

Middle East

Egypt
89%

Primary learner goal
Land first professional job

41%

Switch to a different role

felt more knowledgeable

gained skills to apply in theircareer

63%

49%

32%

24%

16%

got a new job or increased theirjob interview offers

earned a degree or career
credential

increased salary or pay

96%

75%

61%

47%

99%

82%

50%

44%

report career benefits

24%

Advance in current role30%

Learn for personal interest

75%

5%

improved their performanceat work

Products completed
Course87%

Professional Certificate

6%Specialization

7%

University Certificate

felt more confident

report personal benefits

gained a sense ofaccomplishment or fulfillment

felt they have more
opportunities for career growth

0.1%

intend to continue learning

intend to enroll in anothercourse or program on Coursera

intend to enroll in an online orin-person degree program

intend to do on-the-job training

n=760, primary learner goal excludes non-responders and learners who chose Other; additional data excludes learners who selected a non-career related primary goal for learning on Coursera (n=633); Survey questions: What was your primary goal for enrolling in the most recent Coursera course orprogram you completed?(Select one.)(n=664); Has learning on Coursera benefited your career? (n=617); What career outcome(s) have you achieved by enrolling in the most recent Coursera course or program you completed? (n=554), Entry-Level Professional Certificates and Specializations not included
due to insufficient sample size; How else have you benefited from the most recent Coursera course or program you completed? (Select all that apply.)(n=577); In which of the following ways do you intend to continue to learn? (Select all that apply.)(n=550).

31

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Appendix2023 Coursera Learner Outcomes Report

Appendix32

Introduction

Core findings

Spotlights

Appendix2023 Coursera Learner Outcomes Report

Methodology

About Coursera

Data collection methodology

Study tools and data security

Study population

Email recruitment
Email recruitment administered by Huron Consulting utilized
the platform MindFire. More information about this software
can be found here: https://mindfireinc.com/.

Results in the 2023 Coursera Learner Outcomes Report are basedon a web survey conducted from January 25–March 1, 2023,
with a sample of 55,648 respondents who completed a course,
Professional Certificate, Specialization, University/MasterTrack
Certificate, or degree program on Coursera between June 1, 2021,
and September 30, 2022. The Coursera Learner Outcomes Survey
was conducted in English only.
The sample size enabled Coursera to obtain results with a 95%
confidence level when measured against the industry-standard
range of error, with the exception of University/MasterTrack
Certificates and degree learners, whose results are only reportedout as part of the full learner sample.
Participant recruitment
All learner email addresses were provided by Coursera, with the
exception of degree program graduates and select MasterTrack/
University Certificate learners, where Coursera worked directlywith university partners to obtain those learner email addresses.
In a few cases, university partners chose to deploy the survey on
Coursera’s behalf rather than share learner email addresses.
Learners who completed the survey, except for non-eligible
Coursera for Government Workforce Development learners, were
given the option to opt in to a gift card raffle at the close of thesurvey. Those who opted in could be randomly selected to receive
one of eighty $25 gift cards.

Survey instrument development
In December 2022, five focus groups were conducted with
20 Coursera learners to clarify the purpose of the survey andinform questionnaire development.
The final instrument consisted of 26 items, including
closed and open question types. Items explored were
1) demographic and income levels; 2) motivations andexpectations of Coursera enrollment; 3) outcomes associatedwith Coursera enrollments. The time to complete the survey
was approximately eight minutes.
Survey administration
Huron Consulting uses Alchemer for hosting and theexecution of polls and survey questions. Alchemer does nothold any contact information for the recipient. It collects data
based on user responses to questions, reports aggregate
results, and supplies Huron with data exports of responses
and ID numbers for matching back to our campaign database.
Security information for Alchemer can be found here: https://www.alchemer.com/security/.

Coursera was launched in 2012 by two Stanford Computer Science professors,
Andrew Ng and Daphne Koller, with a mission to provide universal access to worldclass learning. It is now one of the largest online learning platforms in the world,with 124 million registered learners as of March 31, 2023. Coursera partners withover 300 leading university and industry partners to offer a broad catalog of content
and credentials, including courses, Specializations, Professional Certificates, Guided
Projects, and bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Institutions around the world use
Coursera to upskill and reskill their employees, citizens, and students in fields suchas data science, technology, and business. Coursera became a Delaware publicbenefit corporation and a B Corp in February 2021. To learn more, visit Coursera.org

About Huron Consulting Group
Huron is a global consultancy that collaborates with clients to drive strategic growth,
ignite innovation, and navigate constant change. Through a combination of strategy,
expertise, and creativity, we help clients accelerate operational, digital, and culturaltransformation, enabling the change they need to own their future. By embracing
diverse perspectives, encouraging new ideas, and challenging the status quo, we
create sustainable results for the organizations we serve. Through focus, passion,and collaboration, Huron provides guidance to organizations as they contend withthe change transforming their industries and businesses.

Huron’s commitment to higher education
Education leaders are increasingly faced with strategic, financial, and enrollment
challenges and increased competition. They need to transform how they deliver
services to advance their academic, research, and clinical missions in order to own
their future. Huron Consulting helps higher education and research institutions
to foster innovation, improve financial health, and strengthen student success.
With over 7,000 education engagements across 500+ education institutions acrossNorth America, all top 100 research universities, all 65 members of the American
Association for American Universities, and 40+ of the largest university systems,
Huron Consulting shares the goals of higher education leaders—sustainable changethat supports and advances institutional missions.

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Appendix2023 Coursera Learner Outcomes Report

Methodology
Rationale for indicators of wealth and social mobility

Technical methodology

Human development index (HDI)*

Learner segments

Benefits and outcomes

The Human Development Index (HDI) is “a summary measure of achievementin key dimensions of human development: a long and healthy life, being
knowledgeable, and having a decent standard of living. The HDI is thegeometric mean of normalized indices for each of the three dimensions.” The
HDI currently measures data for 191 countries and territories. It is maintainedby the United Nations Development Program. The Index is organized into 4groups: Low, Medium, High, and Very High.

Learners self-identified as 1 of 4 learner types or segments:

In this study, we looked at learner outcomes through a framework ofcareer and personal benefits. Career benefits include responding “Yes” towhether Coursera benefited the learner’s career and achieving tangible
and intrinsic outcomes.

Low HDI consists of 32 nations: Afghanistan, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi,
Central African Republic, Chad, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti,
Eritrea, Ethiopia, The Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Haiti, Lesotho, Liberia,
Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Rwanda,
Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, andYemen. Source:https://hdr.undp.org/data-center/human-developmentindex#/indicies/HDI .

1.

Learn skills to get hired into my first professional job

2.

Switch to a different role by developing new skills

3.

Develop my skills to advance in my current role or get a promotion

4.

Learn about personal interest topics (not for work)

Learner segments 1, 2, and 3 are collectively identified as career learners or
career-focused learners.
In survey analysis, it was found that 85% of learners have career-related
goals for learning on Coursera, so unless otherwise denoted, outcomes areconditional on learners having a stated career goal for taking content on
Coursera. Demographics are inclusive of all survey respondents.

Lower-income learners

Prior employment: unemployed and seeking employment

Learners were asked to self-identify their yearly earnings. Learners with lower
incomes were defined as those reporting an annual income of $20,000 or less(normalizing to the U.S. Dollar). This

Learners reported their employment status prior to their enrollment
at Coursera through a multi-response question. Anyone referred to as
unemployed and seeking employment in this study must have selectedthat category, regardless of other selections made. For the purposes of thisreport, they will be referred to as unemployed learners.

definition comes from two measures developed by the U.S. Federal
Government: the “poverty thresholds” as defined by the U.S. Census Bureau in
2022 and the “poverty guidelines” as defined by the Department of Health andWe define tangible outcomes as getting a new job, receiving a promotion,
increasing salary or pay, increasing job interview offers, and earning a
degree or credential to get a desired job.
Intrinsic outcomes include feeling more knowledgeable, gaining
applicable career skills, improving work performance, deciding if a role or
career path is right for the learner, and increasing colleague’s confidence
in the learner.
We define personal benefits as how learners felt after completing
their course or program on Coursera and their future growth. This
includes includes increased feelings of confidence, gaining a sense ofaccomplishment or fulfillment, feeling more capable of taking on newlearning initiatives, feeling that one has more opportunities for career
growth, being more likely to share knowledge with others, and taking
on more responsibilities at work. Personal benefits that relate to future
growth include plans to pursue further education, such as enrolling in adegree program or in another course or program on Coursera.

Human Services in 2021.

First-generation college students
Learners were asked to identify if one or both of their parents/ guardiansobtained a college degree. Those answering “No” are considered
first-generation college students.
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Appendix2023 Coursera Learner Outcomes Report

Learner respondent demographics

Gender identity

Age

Female42%

MaleNon-binary

18-24
55%

1%

Race or ethnicity (U.S. only)
37%
22%

35-44

Transgender

0.2%

45-54

Other

0.1%

55-64

5%

2%

65+

3%

Prefer not
to say10%

Course85%
9%Professional Certificate
Specialization

19%

Asian

0.1%

Degree0.2%2%High school graduate or equivalent

13%

Some university, no degree

Black or African-American

14%

University graduate, 2-year degree

7%
10%
5%

American Indian or Alaska Native

2%

University graduate, 3- or 4-year degree

Native Hawaiian or other
Pacific Islander
Other

0.6%

Graduate or postgraduate work, no degree

3%

Master’s degree

5%Professional degree

5%

Doctoral degree

4%

38%

Prior employment status

Yes

Full-time employed

No

42%

42%

Part-time employed

58%

8%

Full-time student
Part-time student

Bachelor’s degree
Below Bachelor’s degree

15%
4%
15%

Unemployed – seeking
Unemployed – not seeking
24%

5%
24%

First-generation college students

6%

University Certificate

Some secondary school

Hispanic or Latino

Prefer not to say

Products completed

51%

White (not of Hispanic Origin)

21%

25-34

Highest level of education2%
9%

Self-employed

Bachelor’s degree

38%

Retired2%

Above Bachelor’s degree

38%

Full time caregiver

1%

Other

2%

35

Learn without limits