Sunday, February 22, 2026
10 Influential Companies of 2023
Business Honor

"Strategic Education is uniquely positioned in the education sector due to its focus on affordability, accessibility, and relevance."
The world is in the throes of a workforce revolution. Technological advancements, the demand for digital skills, and shifting career pathways have left many workers struggling to keep up. In this environment, Strategic Education, Inc. (SEI) emerges as a beacon of innovation and empowerment, addressing these challenges head-on. By focusing on improving access to education, enhancing workforce readiness, and supporting career mobility, SEI plays a pivotal role in bridging the skills gap and driving economic mobility. Their efforts are not just timely but necessary to ensure that individuals and organizations thrive in a competitive, knowledge-driven global economy.
Strategic Education, Inc. exemplifies the power of education to transform lives and industries. By addressing pressing workforce challenges with innovative solutions, they reaffirm their role as a trusted partner for both individuals and organizations. Their ability to adapt to evolving needs ensures that they remain at the forefront of workforce education.
About its Services: Pathways to Success
Strategic Education offers a robust portfolio of services tailored to meet diverse educational and workforce needs. Among their standout offerings are the following:
1. Education Benefit Management
SEI simplifies the process for employers to offer educational benefits to their workforce. Through platforms like Workforce Edge, they provide a seamless solution for managing tuition assistance programs. Employees gain access to preferred pricing and fully funded tuition pathways at leading universities, enabling them to pursue degrees, certifications, or skill-building courses without financial strain. This not only enhances employee satisfaction but also strengthens organizational loyalty by fostering career advancement opportunities.
2. Comprehensive University Network
SEI operates a network of esteemed institutions, including Strayer University, Capella University, and Torrens University Australia. Each institution caters to nontraditional students by offering flexible, career-aligned programs designed to accommodate working professionals. For instance, Capella University’s competency-based education model allows students to advance based on demonstrated knowledge, making learning both efficient and impactful.
3. Skills-Building and Coding Bootcamps
In response to the growing demand for technical expertise, SEI provides role-specific skills training and immersive coding bootcamps. These programs are particularly impactful for individuals transitioning into tech careers or upskilling for emerging roles. With options like Hackbright Academy and Devmountain, SEI helps close skills gaps and diversifies the tech talent pool, contributing to both individual growth and industry advancement.
4. Workforce Edge
Strategic Education’s Workforce Edge platform offers employers a turnkey solution to manage and optimize education benefits. It simplifies administrative processes, tracks program
usage, and helps employees access tuition savings at over 25 affiliated institutions. By offering both general education and job-specific courses, Workforce Edge empowers organizations to foster continuous learning, enhance employee retention, and align skill-building with business objectives. This service uniquely combines financial accessibility with career relevance, ensuring benefits programs deliver measurable returns for both employers and their teams. Workforce Edge exemplifies SEI’s commitment to making education impactful and sustainable.
What Sets It Apart: Innovation and Purpose
Strategic Education is uniquely positioned in the education sector due to its focus on affordability, accessibility, and relevance. Unlike traditional education providers, SEI emphasizes practical, career-focused learning that directly correlates with workforce demands. Their partnerships with over 1,300 employers underscore their commitment to aligning education with organizational goals, enabling companies to attract, retain, and upskill talent effectively.
Looking ahead, SEI continues to innovate. Their focus on scalable solutions, such as Sophia Learning's low-cost general education courses, demonstrates their dedication to democratizing education. Additionally, their emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion ensures that opportunities are available to all, fostering a more equitable workforce.
About the Leader
The Strategic Education’s CEO Karl McDonnell is an experienced business executive who joined the Company in 2006 as Chief Operating Officer. He became President and CEO in 2013 and joined the board of directors in 2011. Before his tenure at the Company, Mr. McDonnell was Chief Operating Officer of InteliStaf Healthcare, Inc., a leading privately held healthcare staffing firm. He also served as Vice President in the Investment Banking Division at Goldman Sachs & Co. With a diverse background, Mr. McDonnell has held senior management roles with several Fortune 100 companies, including The Walt Disney Co., contributing to his broad expertise in operations, finance, and leadership.