Majority of college students use AI for their coursework, poll finds
Majority of college students use AI for their coursework, poll finds
Publish Date: 2026-04-02 18:15:00
Source Domain: www.upi.com
- The majority of college students in the United States use artificial intelligence (AI) tools in their coursework at least once per week, according to a poll by the Lumina Foundation and Gallup.
- About 57% of students use AI at least once a week, while 20% use it daily.
- Students who use AI state that it helps them understand complex material, saves time, and improves academic performance.
- A sizable number of students who do not use AI consider it unethical or equate it with cheating; many colleges either discourage or completely prohibit AI use.
- The survey suggests that AI has become a regular part of students’ academic activities despite not all institutions adequately managing or guiding its use.
- Over 3,800 U.S. students between the ages of 18 and 59 participated in the survey, with participants mainly pursuing either associate or bachelor’s degrees.
- 42% of the respondents believe their school discourages AI use, and 11% outright prohibit it, while about 40% report some encouragement of AI use from their schools.
- Male students and those in business, technology, and engineering use AI more frequently compared to other students.
- To adequately prepare students for the workplace, which will likely include AI use, there is a strong emphasis on the need for education institutions to prepare students for its responsible use.