The study looks at how students are engaging with generative AI through institutional resources. The study details use of courses, websites, online tutorials and other means to learn about how to use generative artificial intelligence. The survey highlights the varying levels of usage and the reliance on formal and informal learning methods among college students. Results are based on a 2025 representative survey of 1022 students at 4-year colleges and research universities in the USA.
Just a few of this 155-page report's many findings are that:
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30.14% of students have used academic resources provided by their institution to learn about generative AI.
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Students at higher-cost institutions ($20,000+) are more likely (36.03%) to use academic resources compared to those at lower-cost institutions (27.34%). Private school students (35.90%) are significantly more likely to use resources compared to public school students (28.43%).
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International students were more avid users than domestic students of college instructional resources about generative AI.
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Student complaints about being unable to find information about how to use AI were quite common.
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Students face challenges such as lack of awareness, institutional discouragement, and unclear policies on AI use. They express a need for more structured education, clear guidelines, and greater access to AI tools.
The survey suggests that while institutional resources for learning about generative AI exist, most students rely on informal methods such as peers, AI tools, and online content. There is a clear need to expand structured AI education to better support student learning