GenAI effect: US college students are questioning value of higher education due to AI

The start of a new academic year on a college campus is a familiar sight: fresh-faced students moving into dorms, the smell of new books, and the nervous energy of first-day classes. But this year, a subtle shift is palpable beneath the surface. It’s a growing unease, a gnawing question many students are asking themselves: Is this four-year degree still worth it in a world where an algorithm can do so much of the work?

Survey

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AI as a new academic partner

This growing skepticism is fueled by the rapid integration of generative AI (GenAI) into daily academic life. According to a recent Inside Higher Ed/Generation Lab survey, a staggering 85% of U.S. college students have used GenAI for their coursework. For them, it’s not a tool for cheating but a new, indispensable partner. Students are using it for brainstorming ideas, summarizing complex articles, and even generating first drafts. The appeal is clear: GenAI offers immediate, personalized assistance that can dramatically increase productivity, often acting as a round-the-clock tutor for a fraction of the cost. The tools are seen as an equalizer, helping students navigate difficult concepts and manage the intense workload of a modern degree.

AI use and degree devaluation

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However, this reliance on AI is creating a profound paradox. While students are embracing the technology, they are also increasingly worried about its implications. A BestColleges survey revealed that a majority of students believe the widespread use of AI in coursework will actually diminish the value of their degree. This concern stems from a fear that AI may reduce critical thinking skills and intellectual engagement. A different study found that a significant portion of students felt unprepared for an AI-driven workforce, even as they used the tools themselves. They see a future where the traditional skills learned in a classroom might be devalued, and they want their education to provide something more substantial. The fear is that if AI can write a passable essay, what is the point of spending tens of thousands of dollars to learn how to do the same?

The institutional disconnect

The challenge for higher education institutions is immense. Many universities have been slow to create clear policies, leading to confusion and mixed messages on campuses. A majority of students feel that their professors and schools do not “generally allow” the use of AI, even as faculty members themselves are exploring the technology. This disconnect is creating a trust gap. Students are looking for guidance on how to use AI ethically and effectively, and they feel their institutions are not providing it.

The path forward is murky, but clear trends are emerging. Students aren’t asking for AI to be banned; they want it to be integrated thoughtfully. They are calling for more AI literacy in the curriculum, and for professors to design assignments that cannot be easily completed by an algorithm – tasks that emphasize creativity, critical thinking, and the human elements of learning. This new generation is not just demanding a degree; they are demanding an education that prepares them for a future where thinking is more valuable than simple knowledge acquisition. The question is whether institutions can adapt quickly enough to meet that challenge.

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Vyom Ramani

A journalist with a soft spot for tech, games, and things that go beep. While waiting for a delayed metro or rebooting his brain, you’ll find him solving Rubik’s Cubes, bingeing F1, or hunting for the next great snack. View Full Profile