Amid ongoing discourse about how the U.S. is vying to become the global leader in AI innovation, a new survey of college students from around the world shows that although U.S. undergraduates are adopting generative AI in their studies, they have concerns about its accuracy. The findings, published in the 2025 Global Student Survey, suggest that as artificial intelligence rapidly reshapes education worldwide, many American students feel that access to GenAI tools designed specifically for learning would be beneficial to their college experience.
The Global Student Survey has been conducted since 2021 to understand better the evolving needs, challenges, and aspirations of students worldwide. With AI already transforming education and the workforce, this year's survey sought to gauge how students are currently integrating generative AI into their studies and where gaps in adoption, trust, and accessibility remain.
The survey, which polled 11,706 undergraduate students across 15 countries, found that 67% of students in the U.S. have used generative AI tools—such as ChatGPT, Gemini, and Microsoft Copilot—to assist with academic work.
Rising Student Demand for Educational AI Tools
Despite the fact that the majority of students have adopted GenAI usage to support their studies, U.S. undergraduates report several concerns with tools that are not designed for learning:
- Accuracy concerns: 46% of U.S. students worry about AI-generated misinformation.
- Institutional restrictions: 41% report that their universities limit AI tool usage.
This combination of skepticism and restrictions—either perceived or legitimately enforced—could be stifling AI literacy at a time when other nations are racing ahead. In Saudi Arabia, India, and Indonesia, for example, AI adoption in education surpasses 85%, with students using it daily for concept learning, research, and career preparation.
Importantly, 47% of U.S. students are calling for AI tools specifically designed for education purposes, and a further 46% want humans involved in generating answers. Further, 63% of U.S. undergraduates believe their college should provide them with these GenAI tools as a way to support and enhance their studies.
U.S. Students Weigh AI's Benefits and Career Concerns
While many U.S. students may have reservations about using AI tools for their learning, they still see its benefits. Among U.S. undergraduates who have used GenAI for their studies, 44% say their understanding of complex subjects has improved, and 45% are better able to organize their workload.
At the same time, they appear confident in their career readiness. A full 80% of American students believe their college curriculum is preparing them well for the job market, yet only 41% think their degree will be more useful in an AI-assisted workplace. This disconnect highlights a potential blind spot—a workforce entering an AI-powered economy without fully understanding how to leverage the technology.
"This year's Global Student Survey demonstrates that while generative AI is transforming learning experiences, students remain cautious about the accuracy and reliability of the information they receive. In today's learning environment, AI alone cannot provide the deep, personalized support students need to truly learn and excel," said Nathan Schultz, President and CEO of Chegg. "We work to understand the modern student so we can give them a product and experience that leads to greater learning confidence," he added.
How U.S. Colleges Can Catch Up
To help students make the most of their learning and remain competitive in the global workforce, American higher education must rethink its approach to AI. That means integrating AI tools and training into curricula, ensuring students know how to use the tools effectively.
Chegg is one platform with AI-powered features specifically built for learning. It continuously iterates its approach to help students get the most out of their education while preparing them to navigate their future careers successfully. This emphasis on bridging the gap between traditional learning and emerging technology highlights a broader need for institutions to adapt, and it's something students themselves are calling for.
The Global Student Survey serves as a wake-up call for U.S. education administrators and policymakers. While concerns about AI's accuracy are valid, educational AI tools can deliver a personalized learning experience., Ultimately, by learning to master AI now, students can prepare for their future careers in an AI-augmented workforce. The challenge now is ensuring that the next generation of U.S. graduates can not only catch up to the future that's taking shape around them but that they are well-equipped to thrive in it.
