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 provides frameworks for making these decisions in your institution.
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