Interest in AI Training Soars, But Higher Education Struggles to Keep Up
Demand for artificial intelligence (AI) training is surging across the U.S., yet higher education institutions are only meeting a small fraction of this need. An estimated 57 million people are interested in developing AI skills, but just 8.7 million are actively learning. Of those, about two-thirds pursue self-directed study through videos, articles, and other resources, while only one-third engage in structured programs.
Surprisingly, a mere 7,000 learners—representing just 0.2 percent—are enrolled in credit-bearing AI programs at colleges or universities. This gap highlights the challenge faced by traditional education systems in scaling AI training to match demand.
Growth in AI Programs at Colleges and Universities
Despite the low percentage of formal enrollments, AI education in higher learning has grown rapidly. The first bachelor’s degree in AI was introduced by Carnegie Mellon University in 2018, and since then, enrollment in AI-related programs has increased by roughly 45 percent annually. Presently, about 1 percent of institutions offer a master's degree in AI, 2.5 percent have bachelor's programs, and 3 to 5 percent provide non-degree courses.
For example, the University at Buffalo’s AI master’s program saw its enrollment jump from just 5 students in 2020 to 103 in 2024—a more than 20-fold increase.
Ed-Tech Companies Filling the Gap
With higher education struggling to meet demand, ed-tech platforms have stepped in to serve over 99 percent of learners seeking AI skills. Platforms like Coursera and Udemy saw generative AI course enrollments reach 3.5 million within 14 months of ChatGPT’s launch.
This trend shows a clear preference for flexible, online learning options that fit diverse schedules and budgets. For education professionals, this signals an opportunity to rethink how AI training can be integrated into formal curricula and professional development offerings.
Looking Ahead: Opportunities for Institutions
The current distribution of AI learners suggests a significant opportunity for colleges and universities. If institutions can align their programs with the interests of the millions seeking AI skills, they could unlock substantial benefits for both students and schools.
As one market research expert put it, the AI education and training market is poised for explosive growth. This implies that expanding credit-bearing AI programs could attract new student populations eager for credentials, while also meeting workforce demands in AI-related fields.
- Less than 1% of AI learners are currently enrolled in credit programs
- AI program enrollments in higher education are growing at 45% annually
- Ed-tech platforms dominate AI skill training, serving over 99% of learners
- The U.S. AI market is expected to reach $74 billion by 2025
For educators and administrators, this is a call to action: expanding AI offerings could position institutions as leaders in a rapidly growing sector. Those interested in exploring comprehensive AI courses can find a range of options at Complete AI Training.
With the AI market set to be worth $74 billion by 2025, investing in AI education programs now could pay dividends in student success and institutional growth.
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