Half Of College Students Say Learning AI Most Important Skill They'll Gain At School

NEW YORK — College students have a clear message for their schools: artificial intelligence skills matter more than traditional coursework. A new survey of 2,000 students reveals that 50% believe learning to use AI is the most important skill they’ll gain in college.

The research, commissioned by Grammarly and conducted by Talker Research, shows students are already living in an AI-powered world while their institutions struggle to keep up. About 87% of students use AI for schoolwork, and 90% use it for daily tasks outside of class. They spend about 10 hours per week with these tools, split evenly between schoolwork and personal tasks.

Another 62% believe that learning to use AI responsibly will be necessary for their future careers. Students aren’t just experimenting with technology. They’re preparing for a job market where AI literacy could determine their success.

School Policies Differ Dramatically Across Campuses

Most schools (73%) now have AI policies, but the rules vary wildly from campus to campus. About 30% of institutions allow AI for specific tasks only, while 31% permit general use as long as students cite their AI assistance properly. However, 32% still maintain complete “don’t use AI” policies.

Even at schools with clear guidelines, there’s a disconnect between policy and practice. While 69% of students say their professors have discussed AI rules, only 11% report that instructors actually encourage AI use. Many students find themselves caught between using tools they consider necessary and worrying about academic consequences.

The anxiety is real: 46% of students worry about getting in trouble for AI use, and 10% actually have faced consequences. More concerning, 55% feel they’re navigating AI use without proper guidance from their schools.

“AI is no longer a theoretical concept in education; it’s a core part of how students learn, work and prepare for what’s next,” said Jenny Maxwell, Head of Education at Grammarly, in a statement. “With around half of students feeling they’re navigating using AI without clear direction and many worried about getting in trouble, we see this as a wake-up call for educational institutions to provide the support students need to be both comfortable and confident using the technology.”

How Students Really Use AI for School and Life

Students aren’t using AI to cheat. They’re using it as a learning tool. The most popular uses include brainstorming ideas (49%), checking grammar and spelling (42%), and understanding difficult class concepts (41%). Other common applications include grasping topics outside school like taxes and finances (35%), developing thoughts and ideas (34%), and creating study materials like flashcards (24%).

Beyond academics, 29% of students ask AI questions they’re embarrassed to pose to real people, and 25% seek general life advice. Students also use AI for resume help (25%) and interview preparation (22%).

The social acceptance of AI use is growing among students. About 37% view using AI for schoolwork as acceptable when properly disclosed, while only 25% consider it cheating. Another 22% say their classmates view AI use as smart and efficient.

Students Want Better AI Training

Despite widespread use, only 34% of students feel confident they’re using AI ethically and responsibly for school tasks. The gap between usage and confidence shows the need for better training programs.

Most students (72%) don’t think their schools are behind the times with technology, but the disconnect between policy creation and practical guidance remains problematic. Students are essentially teaching themselves how to use AI while institutions focus on creating rules rather than providing education.

“Whether it’s curbing writer’s block, proofing students’ work or helping answer questions they’re hesitant to raise in class, AI is becoming a trusted collaboration partner for students,” said Maxwell. “Their enthusiastic adoption gives educators a powerful opportunity to meet students where they are and help shape a future where technology enhances learning and sets students up for long-term success in their professional and personal lives.”

The data reveals a generation that has already decided AI skills are necessary for their futures. Students aren’t waiting for institutional approval. They’re moving forward with or without guidance. The question for colleges and universities is whether they can evolve quickly enough to help students use these tools effectively and ethically.

Survey Methodology: Talker Research surveyed 2,000 Americans, 18+ who are pursuing higher education (bachelor’s, master’s, doctorate, etc.); the survey was commissioned by Grammarly and administered and conducted online by Talker Research between July 1 and July 9. The survey used non-probability sampling from traditional online access panels and programmatic sources. Cells are only reported for analysis if they have a minimum of 80 respondents, and statistical significance is calculated at the 95% level. Data is not weighted, but quotas and other parameters were implemented to reach the desired sample. Quality-checking measures were employed to exclude speeders, inappropriate responses, bots, and duplicates.