More parents feel a growing openness to their children pursuing career and technical education (CTE) and nondegree pathways, according to a new nationwide survey from American Student Assistance® (ASA). The research, “All Options on the Table: Parent Views on Postsecondary Education and Career Paths,” surveys 2,230 parents of middle and high school students (grades 6–12) and uncovers evolving trends in parents’ attitudes, perceptions, and decision-making regarding their children’s post-high school plans, their familiarity with various career pathways, and their level of preparedness to offer guidance
Key Findings
The survey results point to notable trends regarding parents’ attitudes toward their children’s education and career planning. These include:
- Parents increasingly view career & technical Education (CTE) as an option for high-achieving students. In 2025, 35% of parents believe CTE is best suited for high-achieving students—up from 13% in 2019.
- Parents prefer traditional college for their kids but less so than in the past. While college remains parents’ top preference for their student after high school, the percentage of parents preferring it has dropped from 74% in 2019 to 58% in 2025.
- Parents are actively involved in and supportive of their kids’ career development. Most (88%) parents report having discussed postsecondary plans with their child and the majority of parents broadly agree with their child’s chosen path.
This survey is part of ASA’s Youth Career Readiness Outlook, a new research series exploring what it means to be ready for life after high school from the perspectives of young people and the adults who support them—parents, educators, counselors, and employers. Drawing on primary research, each report examines key aspects of teen career readiness, including education plans, skill-building, and career aspirations. Together, the series offers a comprehensive look at how today’s youth are navigating their paths toward a bright future. This latest round of research builds on a prior national survey of parents conducted by ASA in 2019 and identifies significant landscape shifts.
To learn more, download the complete report below.
