College and career readiness has never been more central to the K-12 mission or more complex to deliver. Schools are being asked to prepare students for an increasingly diverse set of postsecondary pathways while simultaneously addressing growing mental health needs, evolving workforce demands, expanding accountability requirements, and persistent staffing challenges. Expectations continue to rise, but the systems and structures supporting this work have not always kept pace.

At the center of these efforts are the counselors, college and career advisors, CTE educators, and administrators who help students navigate some of the most important decisions of their lives. They guide students through academic planning, postsecondary exploration, career pathway selection, financial aid processes, and workforce experiences, often while balancing large caseloads and competing responsibilities.

Each year, SchooLinks surveys these practitioners to better understand the realities shaping college and career readiness across the country. We are interested not only in what is working, but also in what is becoming more difficult, where counselors, educators, and administrators are finding opportunities for impact, and what they believe needs to change. Their responses offer a valuable window into the challenges, priorities, and emerging trends influencing CCR implementation today.

What follows is an honest assessment of the state of college and career readiness in 2026, told through the experiences of the professionals doing this work every day. Their perspectives reveal both the pressures facing the field and the possibilities ahead. More importantly, they provide insight into the kinds of supports, systems, and investments that can help schools better serve students as they prepare for life after graduation.

Respondents at a Glance

Respondents represent an experienced, high school-focused group—more than half have over a decade in their roles, and nearly three-quarters work primarily with secondary students.

Role:

• 70% School Counselors
• 10% CTE Educators
• 10% College and Career Advisors
• 5% School or District Administrators
• 5% Social Workers

Years of experience:

• 52% 11 or more years
• 24% 3–5 years
• 19% 6–10 years
• 5% 0–2 years

Grade levels supported:

• 71% High School
• 24% Elementary School
• 19% Middle School