# Most higher education institutions now use AI as adoption accelerates, survey finds

> Two-thirds of higher education institutions now use AI, up from 49% last year, per an Ellucian survey. Nearly 9 in 10 leaders expect AI use to grow, though confidence in its benefit to student learning has dropped to 45%.

- Type: AI news
- Page: https://completeaitraining.com/news/most-higher-education-institutions-now-use-ai-as-adoption/
- Published: 2026-04-28
- Updated: 2026-04-28
- Author: Jeroen Erne
- Jobs: Education
- Reading time: 2 min

### Nearly 9 in 10 Higher Education Leaders Plan to Expand AI Use

Two-thirds of higher education institutions are already using AI, according to a survey by Ellucian released in April 2026. That represents a significant jump from 49% the previous year. The acceleration comes as institutional leaders move beyond experimental pilots to formal strategy and budget allocation.

Eighty-eight percent of respondents expect their institution's AI use to increase over the next two years. Only 7% of institutions have no plans to adopt the technology.

#### Budget and Strategy Are Solidifying

Ninety percent of institutions now report using AI in some capacity, up from 84% a year earlier. Nearly half-43%-have added AI to their strategic plan.

Budget decisions are following. Almost two-thirds of executive leaders said their institution already allocates money specifically for AI, most often through broader technology or innovation budgets. Another 21% are planning or exploring dedicated funding.

#### Where Leaders See the Most Value

Executive leaders are concentrating AI investment in areas where the technology can protect and improve decisions without high stakes. Business operations (68%), data and analytics (59%), and marketing and admissions (51%) top the list.

When asked about specific applications, cybersecurity threat detection ranks first, followed by revenue and expense forecasting. Identifying at-risk students comes third.

#### Skepticism Grows on Student Learning

Confidence in AI's role in student learning is declining. Only 45% of respondents said AI does "more good than harm" in that area, down from 55% the previous year.

Concerns about academic integrity are easing slightly. Twenty-seven percent now see positive impact on integrity, up from 16%.

#### Privacy and Trust Remain the Primary Obstacles

Data security and privacy concerns block adoption at both personal (61%) and institutional (56%) levels. These barriers have not shifted year over year.

New concerns are emerging. Environmental impact ranks among the top three barriers for more than one in five respondents. Worry about AI-related job loss has doubled, rising from 7% to 14%.

#### Training Gap Widens

Eighty-three percent of financial aid staff said they need AI training, signaling a skills gap as institutions scale adoption. Training remains the most-cited resource for making AI work effectively across departments.

For education leaders building AI strategy, understanding both the opportunities and the governance requirements is essential. [AI for Executives & Strategy](https://completeaitraining.com/tag/executives-and-strategy/) provides frameworks for making these decisions in your institution.

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