Higher education leaders are navigating the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence, seeking to leverage its benefits while mitigating risks, according to the 2025 EDUCAUSE AI Landscape Study. The report highlights how colleges and universities are integrating AI into teaching, learning and operations with a focus on strategic planning, workforce adaptation and policy development.
Strategic planning and institutional readiness
Institutions are taking AI seriously, with only 11% of survey respondents indicating that their institution has no AI-related strategy, the report says. Most institutions are motivated to explore AI due to students’ increasing use (73%) and concerns about misuse (66%).
Key priorities for institutions include:
- Viewing AI as a strategic priority (57%)
- Training faculty on AI tools and applications (63%)
- Providing AI training for staff (56%)
- Addressing AI-related academic integrity concerns (74%)
- Exploring AI for curriculum design and assessment (54%)
Leadership perspectives and institutional divisions
Higher education leaders are prioritizing AI integration, though many institutions are still developing clear policies and strategies. The study found that faculty training is prioritized over student training, even though two-thirds (68%) of respondents reported that students use AI more frequently than faculty. A number of respondents (34%) believe their institution has underestimated AI-related costs, while only 2% said their institution had secured new sources of funding for AI initiatives.
AI’s impact on policies and procedures
AI is influencing policies related to academic integrity, acceptable use and compliance. The proportion of institutions with AI-related acceptable use policies increased from 23% last year to 39% this year, according to the report.
Additionally, 93% of respondents reported that AI is currently impacting or expected to impact teaching and learning policies, while 74% said AI has influenced academic integrity discussions, emphasizing concerns over plagiarism and ethical AI use. However, only 9% of respondents believe their institution’s cybersecurity and privacy policies are adequate to address AI-related risks. Data security (62%) and end-user behavior (56%) remain areas of focus.
AI and the higher education workforce
Institutions are prioritizing upskilling existing faculty and staff to meet AI demands rather than hiring new AI-specific personnel. Only 1% of institutions are hiring new staff to address AI-related needs, while 37% are re-skilling existing faculty and staff to fill those roles, the report says.
Colleges and universities are identifying appropriate AI applications, such as personalized student support, research assistance and learning analytics. However, respondents also noted risks, including concerns about AI-related academic integrity, data security and the need for human oversight in AI applications.
Bridging the AI divide
The study highlights differences in AI adoption between large and small institutions. While smaller institutions face greater resource constraints in implementing AI at scale, their motivations and expectations for AI use are like those of larger institutions. To maximize AI’s benefits while addressing challenges, campus leaders must take a proactive and strategic approach, the report suggests.
