Key points:
- Students want to feel more confident in developing AI skills for their careers
- Students are anxious about the future with AI–their parents are, too
- The rise of AI-native universities: OpenAI’s vision for every student
- For more news on AI in learning, visit eCN’s AI in Education hub
Despite most of the students enjoying the benefits of AI, more than half feel that universities and colleges aren’t doing enough to prepare them for the future shaped by the rapidly evolving technology.
According to a new study conducted by OnCampus Research and Hostinger, 34 percent of students in the U.S. lack a clear focus on AI in their classes, and 23 percent believe their universities and colleges are falling behind on the new developments in the field.
Mixed feelings
A survey of approximately 1,600 U.S. students from undergraduate and graduate programs, representing various fields and age groups, reveals that only 15 percent of students can access the useful AI tools and training provided by their school.
The study also showcases a spectrum of feelings towards AI’s impact on academic performance. Nearly half (46 percent) of all students said they feel comfortable or very familiar with AI, and 39 percent believe they have a reasonable understanding of it. Only 13 percent of respondents claimed to be unfamiliar with AI. At the same time, 80 percent of respondents generally define their stance towards AI as “cautious” or “skeptical,” though around one-fifth of students among both undergrads (18 percent) and grads (19 percent) expressed their optimism and excitement about this technology. This data suggests that while students are independently becoming familiar with AI, they still lack the institutional guidance to feel fully confident.
“The cautiousness or even anxiety expressed by students in the face of a new disruptive technology is understandable,” said Dr. Mantas Lukauskas, AI Tech Lead at Hostinger. “However, academic institutions have an important role to play in providing concrete pathways, such as skills, tools, and equitable access, to reinforce optimism and curiosity about AI. Equipping students with basic AI skills is especially crucial in preventing a long-term AI digital divide. Neither academia nor work life can afford locking anyone out of the future economy.”
Independently experimenting with AI tools
Despite expressed cautiousness and perceived lack of focus from universities, students report real benefits from using AI in academia, with time savings the main one.
Overall, 80 percent of study participants save time with AI. Thirty-five percent claimed that using AI in academic work frees up to 3 hours of their time weekly. This free time is then most often reinvested in studying (28 percent) and spent working or running side hustles away from school (17 percent). Other students prefer to use their saved time to rest (7 percent) or socialize (6 percent).
“The data reflects a broader trend we’re seeing across society: AI is saving time in various industries and redirecting people’s work toward more creative, demanding, value-generating, or simply more enjoyable tasks. Students are already embracing these benefits, but many aren’t necessarily learning how to evaluate sources, verify results, or apply AI responsibly in professional contexts. This is where more guidance and training are needed,” said Mantas.
A study shows that AI mostly helps students in their academic life with writing (69 percent), followed by doing research and summarizing texts (33 percent). Around 30 percent of participants revealed they use AI for productivity or planning, and a similar share (29 percent) for coding or in math. Just 13 percent of respondents claimed they haven’t used AI tools, while 5 percent said they are unsure.
The double-edged sword of AI and focus
Around one-third of those surveyed (32 percent) reported increased concentration thanks to AI. Forty percent claimed it depends on the day or the task at hand. On the contrary, 13 percent claimed that AI distracts them and makes it harder to focus. Ultimately, it comes down to how AI tools are used.
“If we want the next generation to use AI to strengthen critical thinking, creativity, and deeper understanding, not to replace them, AI adoption in education needs to accelerate,” said Mantas.
This press release originally appeared online.
- Higher education’s approach to cyber talent: Lessons in recruitment and retention - February 27, 2026
- The Visual Edge: How High-Impact Technology Redefines Campus Differentiation and Enrollment Strategy - February 24, 2026
- Changing how two-year colleges prepare students for the world of work - February 18, 2026