Surveys show most US students use AI for schoolwork and feel unsure about it

In short: Generative AI is now a regular part of schoolwork for most U.S. high school and college students, but many students feel torn about its effects.

What's going on

Generative AI means tools that can write text or create images from a prompt (like giving a very fast helper a short instruction). Recent surveys suggest this is now mainstream in U.S. schools. The College Board reported that 84% of U.S. high school students used generative AI for schoolwork by May 2025, up from 79% in January 2025.

College students report similar patterns. One 2025 survey cited by Inside Higher Ed found 85% of college students used generative AI for coursework in the past year. The 2026 Lumina and Gallup study found 57% use it at least weekly, and about 20% use it daily.

Students say they mostly use AI for support, not to hand in a full assignment written by a bot. Common uses include brainstorming ideas, fixing grammar, getting explanations like a tutor, checking homework answers, and doing research. ChatGPT is the most mentioned tool in high school surveys.

At the same time, many students are worried. A RAND survey found that as AI use for homework rose in 2025, more students said it harms critical thinking. Many also report “AI guilt,” meaning they feel unsure about what is fair, and they want clearer rules.

What to watch

A New York Times callout is asking students to share how AI is changing their lives, which shows the topic is moving beyond school policy and into daily experience. Watch for schools and colleges to shift from bans to clearer guidance, including what counts as acceptable help versus cheating.

Source: NYTimes