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Press Release

AI Usage in Education is Growing, But Gaps in Guidance Persist, New Survey Finds

Research from Jobs for the Future highlights rapid AI adoption in classrooms and learning environments, but learners are still more likely to learn about AI from friends, family, and social media than schools or training providers

BOSTON (March 18, 2026) — As artificial intelligence becomes more embedded in classrooms and training programs across the country, learners are using AI tools more frequently and receiving more institutional support than ever before, according to a new national survey released by national nonprofit Jobs for the Future (JFF). Nearly seven in ten learners, defined as people over 16 who are currently enrolled in education or training, now report that AI is incorporated into their coursework or training, and the number of learners receiving formal AI training from their institution has risen more than 20 percentage points since last year.

Despite this increased access to training, though, learners are still more likely to seek information about AI from informal channels like social media, news articles, and friends or family rather than their school or training program, highlighting a gap in institutional leadership. At the same time, AI policies across education and training providers remain uneven: 31% of learners report their institution fully permits AI use, while 11% say it bans AI entirely and 13% say they do not know their school’s policy.

“Learners are not sitting on the sidelines of the AI transition. They are actively experimenting, adapting, and integrating these tools into their educational experiences,” said Ben Pring, Vice President of JFF’s Center for Artificial Intelligence & the Future of Work. “But increased use does not automatically translate into increased efficacy. If schools, higher education institutions, and training providers want to realize AI’s potential to enhance learning and expand economic opportunity, they must build trust, provide clear guidance, and ensure that AI augments relationships and classroom experience for both learners and educators.”

This new research builds on an initial survey conducted by JFF via AudienceNet in 2024 to better understand how learners and workers are experiencing and responding to AI in school and their jobs. 

Additional key findings from the new survey include:

AI use in education is rising rapidly, and institutional support is increasing.

  • The 69% of respondents who report receiving AI training from their education or training institution represent a substantial increase from 47% in 2024.
  • 69% of learners say that AI tools are incorporated into their lessons or training, up from 57% from the initial survey. 
  • At the same time, implementation across education varies: 31% report that their institution fully permits the use of AI, 11% report that their institution bans AI use entirely, and 13% say they do not know their institution’s AI policy.

AI’s impact on classroom relationships and learning environments remains mixed. 

  • AI is reshaping classroom dynamics, though experiences vary:
    • 40% report spending more time collaborating with peers as a result of AI, while 41% report spending less.
    • 32% feel more connected to peers; 28% feel less connected.
    • 40% report an increase in one-on-one time with instructors; 30% report a decrease.
    • 35% feel more connected to teachers; 26% feel less connected.
  • Fewer learners in 2025 report that AI has had “no significant impact” on their relationships with teachers (12% vs. 23% in 2024) or peers (11% vs. 32% in 2024), suggesting AI is increasingly shaping, positively or negatively, the social fabric of learning environments.

Learners are using AI to enhance understanding and efficiency, but not all are experiencing meaningful support.

  • Learners most commonly use AI to enhance learning and understanding (38%), complete assignments more efficiently (44%), explore additional learning resources and study materials (36%), and gain access to AI-driven tutoring (35%).
  • However, 11% say AI has not significantly supported their education, suggesting that access alone does not guarantee impact. Notably, fewer learners report feeling more supported in their learning through AI-assisted resources compared to last year (13% in 2025, down from 29% in 2024), underscoring uneven experiences across classrooms and institutions.

Even with more support, learners are still navigating AI largely on their own. 

  • Despite increased institutional training, learners are still more likely to seek AI information from informal channels:
    • 48% turn to social media
    • 38% rely on news articles
    • 30% get information from friends and family. 
  • By comparison, far fewer cite their school or training program (23%), workforce boards or career centers (23%), or conferences (8%) as primary sources of AI information. When looking to increase familiarity with AI tools:
    • 46% plan to experiment on their own
    • 44% plan to use YouTube or informal courses
    • 43% would enroll in a paid college or university course
    • Only 31% would take a free local course
    • 45% of of learners say they want to increase their familiarity and use of AI tools, but 41% do not. Learners cite limited time (36%), high cost of courses and tools (40%), and a prohibition on using AI in their education or training programs (31%) as top barriers.

The survey was conducted between November 28 and December 8, 2025, with 3,020 respondents aged 16 and above. To ensure a robust data set that represents the U.S. population, the survey oversampled JFF’s focus populations — including people without a four-year degree, people of color whose highest level of education is a four-year degree, women whose highest level of education is a four-year degree, and people with a record of arrest, conviction, or incarceration — who are often underrepresented in AI-related research. The data was weighted to reflect the U.S. population aged 16 and above using the latest census benchmarks.

JFF has developed resources for education leaders, workforce practitioners, employers, policymakers, and investors to ensure AI enhances learning, expands opportunity, and supports economic mobility. To learn more and access additional survey findings, visit JFF’s website.

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About Jobs for the Future (JFF)
JFF transforms U.S. education and workforce systems to drive economic success for people, businesses, and communities. www.jff.org.