edX reaches 100 million learners worldwide
The milestone reflects a decade-long shift in how learners across more than 190 countries adapt to changing industries, emerging technologies, and new career realities.
edX has reached a major milestone in 2026: 100 million learners worldwide. Over more than a decade, learners have chosen edX — after work, between school drop-offs, during career pivots, and in moments when standing still was no longer an option.
This milestone reflects not only the scale of edX's global community but also the growing demand for flexible, career-aligned education in a rapidly changing world.
Today, the edX learner network spans more than 190 countries. It includes first-generation students working toward degrees, professionals rebuilding stability and confidence after layoffs, caregivers studying late at night, and retirees exploring subjects they never had time to pursue earlier in life.
Their motivations differ, but their intent remains the same: to gain the skills needed to keep moving forward.
Learning in an era of acceleration
After reaching 100 million learners, certain shifts are impossible to ignore. Earning a degree no longer marks the completion of a chapter, but rather the beginning of a lifelong commitment to education.
Careers now span multiple industries, roles change within years, new tools become baseline expectations, and skills that once felt stable require continuous sharpening. Artificial intelligence (AI) is accelerating this transformation, reshaping entire sectors and redefining what it means to stay competitive.
In this context, continuous education must fit into work schedules and long-term plans rather than sit outside them. Recent edX research points to that reality.
In edX's Fall 2025 Survey, 8 in 10 U.S. adults said they were interested in investing in AI education. Among those who already use AI tools daily at work, 80% reported positive impressions of the technology.
Behind the data is a clear sense of urgency. "I do not want to make myself obsolete," one Gen X respondent from Nebraska wrote. Another respondent from Texas said they were searching for "a good course that could translate into a certificate or degree" to transition into the field.
What 100 million truly means
That urgency is visible within the edX learner community.
Across its global network of 100 million learners, individuals are upskilling to remain competitive or reskilling to transition into new fields. They are preparing for a job market defined by constant change.
Interest is strongest in high-growth areas such as AI, computer science, data science, and business strategy. Many choose shorter, focused programs — including courses, Professional Certificates, MicroBachelors®, and MicroMasters® programs — designed to deliver in-demand, practical skills.
At every stage, the expectation is clear: time invested must deliver measurable results. Learners seek credentials from trusted universities and industry leaders that signal mastery and hold value across companies, sectors, and borders.
With more than 250 partners and over 5,300 online programs, edX provides flexible pathways aligned to real career goals.
As part of 2U, edX continues to invest in its platform and deepen its partnerships with top universities and industry leaders.
Reaching a network of 100 million learners marks a defining moment for edX and reinforces its focus on expanding access to high-quality education, upholding academic rigor, and building pathways for lifelong learning.