College students are expressing a clear desire for institutions to not only maintain robust technological services but also to integrate these tools more effectively into the learning experience.
The newly released 2025 EDUCAUSE Students and Technology Report reveals that while 69% of students are satisfied with their institution’s technology-related services, a significant 72% perceive their institution’s use of technology in enhancing learning as merely average. Notably, students who view their institution as being at the forefront of technology adoption report higher satisfaction levels (85%) compared to those who see their institution as average (68%) or lagging (34%).
Reliable campus internet and tech-savvy instruction are pivotal to student satisfaction, the survey found, and students at institutions perceived as technologically advanced feel more career-ready and confident in the value of their education.
SHIFT TOWARD ON-SITE LEARNING PREFERENCES
The findings in the 2025 EDUCAUSE Students and Technology Report are based on survey responses from more than 160 institutions and nearly 40,000 undergraduate students — a diverse cross-section of learners from public and private institutions across the United States. The survey was conducted between September and December 2024; responses were weighted to reflect the demographic composition of the national undergraduate population.
Survey responses indicate a growing preference for on-site learning modalities among students. Compared to the previous year, there’s an increased inclination toward in-person lab or interactive work (+9 percentage points), instructor-led lectures (+8 points), and exams (+6 points). This trend is particularly pronounced among younger students aged 18-24, who favor on-site experiences, while older students tend to prefer online courses.
Faculty are also taking steps to alleviate financial burdens on students by adopting cost-saving measures such as utilizing open-source course materials (59%), digitizing assessments to eliminate printing costs (56%), and foregoing traditional textbooks (42%).
While there’s a slight uptick in students participating in hybrid courses (+7 percentage points since 2023), the majority (80%) have only taken between one to three such courses. Although 70% of students agree that expectations for engagement in hybrid courses are clearly communicated, only 48% feel that instructors maintain consistent hybrid practices across courses, indicating room for improvement in standardizing hybrid learning experiences.
GENERATIVE AI IN THE CLASSROOM: UNDERUTILIZED & MISUNDERSTOOD
The integration of generative AI tools in academic settings remains limited. Approximately 43% of students have not utilized AI for their courses. Among those who have, common applications include brainstorming (33%), refining ideas (24%), and organizing (24%). Concerns about academic misconduct, unclear guidelines, and restrictive policies contribute to the cautious adoption of AI tools. Only 51% have received guidance on AI use, and 52% report that most instructors prohibit AI use.
Students anticipating AI use in their careers are more likely to engage with it academically. However, only 20% report receiving relevant AI training from their institutions, despite 55% recognizing its importance for their future careers.
Students prioritize interpersonal and communication skills as top career competencies, with technology-related skills, including proficiency with AI tools, being the least prioritized (selected by only 1% and 3% of respondents, respectively). While over 70% feel their education effectively prepares them for most career competencies, fewer than 35% feel prepared in AI and non-AI technologies.
MENTAL HEALTH & ACCESSIBILITY: AREAS NEEDING ATTENTION
Despite a 14-percentage-point increase since 2023 in students reporting mental health disorders, registration with accessibility/disability services remains unchanged. Only 47% of students with a disability or impairment have registered with their institution’s accessibility office.
Students with jobs or those living off-campus are less likely to register. Satisfaction with institutional mental health efforts has decreased by 13 percentage points since 2023, with only 55% expressing satisfaction.
Furthermore, just 50% find it clear and easy to access mental health and well-being supports, and only 42% agree that their institution is doing more now to address student health and well-being than in the past.
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