At Least 80% of Students Use AI for Academic Tasks
At Least 80% of Students Use AI for Academic Tasks
This article looks at how artificial intelligence is becoming a big part of student life.
Oct 17, 2025
Research
10 min read
Table of contents
- Methodology
- Key Research Findings
- At Least 80% of Students Use AI for Academic Tasks
- Why Students Turn to AI
- Key Challenges and Roadblocks in AI Use
- Nearly 30% of Students Turn to AI for Assignment Help
- Top AI Tools Students Swear By
- Frequency and Trends in AI Usage
- Devices Driving AI in Student Life
- Use of AI by Degree Program
- What’s Next for AI in Education?
- Wrapping Up: AI’s Place in Academia
Artificial Intelligence has been quickly transitioning from a niche enhancement tool to an everyday study buddy for many students and, while there is much discussion happening about its use, what is clear is that AI is now a central part of the way students approach their assignments, exams and research.
To gain a better understanding of this transition, StudyAgent conducted education surveys on May 25 2025, using Prolific, with responses from 382 students in the United States who use AI chatbots. All participants used their mobile phones, tablets or desktops to complete the survey.
The results show that over 80% of students use AI for academic tasks, with more than half using it daily. The primary reasons are time-saving and better quality of work, yet there are still concerns about putting something in their work that isn’t true and original.
This study explores the effects of how AI is changing learning habits, what tools students trust, and how these trends are influencing their preferences for academic writing services.
Methodology
Research with 382 U.S.-based students who use AI chatbots (i.e., ChatGPT, Claude, Character.AI, etc.) was conducted using survey methodology. Data collection was done on May 25, 2025, through the Prolific research platform. Participants were recruited through random sampling and completed the questionnaires for the study on mobile devices, tablets or desktop computers.
The importance of maintaining participant security was a top priority throughout the study. The research ensured confidentiality and data protection at every stage.
The study has a margin of error of ±5% at a 95% confidence level, except for questions Q8.1, Q8.2, Q8.5, Q18, Q19, Q20, Q22, Q23, Q24, and Q26. All responses were self-reported through an online survey form.
Key Research Findings
While the comprehensive analysis will occur in the following sections, here are the topline statistics collected by StudyAgent that showcase the most crucial trends and patterns that were presented through the data.
- AI adoption is widespread – Over 80% of students use AI for academic tasks, with more than half using it daily.
- Rising engagement – 90% report using AI tools more frequently than last year, averaging two tools per student.
- Top tools – Most popular: ChatGPT, Grammarly, Gemini, Copilot, and Quillbot.
- Primary purposes – Saving time, improving work quality, grammar checking, explaining concepts, writing essays/papers, summarizing text, generating ideas, and editing style.
- Key academic challenges – Test anxiety (40%), solving math/statistics/programming problems (39%), and handling written assignments.
- Device preferences – 84% use AI on desktop, 13% on smartphones, 2% on tablets.
- Skill confidence gap – 30% feel they lack sufficient skills to work with AI (down from 58% in an external 2024 study).
- Main concerns – Plagiarism detection, incorrect or “hallucinated” information, and being caught using AI.
- Learning AI skills – 74% rely on trial and error; others use online forums (31%), short videos (27%), and peer tips (25%).
- Paid usage – One-third have paid AI subscriptions, mostly self-funded (82%); average monthly cost is $15–20.
- Custom writing impact – 66% of those who previously outsourced work now do so less often, citing AI’s lower cost and speed.
- Hybrid approach – 78% of those who order work externally combine AI drafts with human editing for plagiarism removal and quality improvement.
At Least 80% of Students Use AI for Academic Tasks
The StudyAgent findings reveal that AI is no longer a marginal or experimental tool for students; rather, it is deeply embedded in their academic routines.
At least 80% of students surveyed in the United States said they have used an AI for school-related work, with more than 50% doing so every day. Statistically, this represents a noticeable change in behavior. For that matter, 90% of students indicated they are using AI tools more than they did a year ago.
AI has interestingly entered a multi-step academic work process. It is used by students for grammar checking, helping them explain difficult concepts, summarizing readings, creating an outline for any assignments, and assisting those who want to refine their writing style. Almost 30% of students use AI for help when they are “stuck” on an assignment, which demonstrates that AI serves both as a tool for writing as well as an on-demand tutor.
Why Students Turn to AI
Students identified AI usage for productivity and quality improvement, but the motivations further cover a range of academic needs:
- Time savings on assignments – AI will enable students to save time through more rapid research and drafting.
- Quality improvement for assignment – Several students use AI to enhance grammar, style, or format and produce a higher quality final submission.
- Address academic obstacles – Test anxiety and timed tests, difficulties in STEM.
- On-demand tutoring – Nearly 30% seek AI help when they get stuck on an assignment, treating the AI as a real-time problem solver.
- Multi-purpose academic assistant – Grammar checking, explaining concepts, summarizing texts, generating outlines, brainstorming ideas, and editing style are other obvious ways.
- Handle specific academic tasks - writing essays – 60%, research papers – 56%, coursework – 46%
Key Challenges and Roadblocks in AI Use
Even though AI is very popular, its use in academia is tempered by trust issues and institutional risks:
- Fear of plagiarism detection - the most frequently cited concern, since students are concerned that work created by AI might be flagged for originality checks or academic misconduct.
- Inaccurate or “hallucinated” information – Students report having to double-check AI outputs for factual errors, which increases their workload.
- Risk of being caught – Fear of disciplinary action deters some from heavy reliance on AI.
- Cost barriers– One-third of students pay for AI tools, with an average monthly spend of $15–20. For some, that price reduces the availability of features.
- Device dependency – Heavy reliance on desktops (84%) can be a barrier for students, especially those who prefer mobile-first and do not consistently have access to desktops.
- Skill gaps – 30% feel they lack the skills to use AI effectively (down from 58% in an external 2024 study).
Most (74%) improve through trial and error, while others learn from:
- Online forums – 31%
- Short video tutorials – 27%
- Tips from peers – 25%
Nearly 30% of Students Turn to AI for Assignment Help
StudyAgent research shows that nearly 30% of students turn to AI specifically when they encounter difficulties completing an assignment. In these cases, AI functions less as a general productivity tool and more as an instant academic assistant, providing targeted support at the exact moment it’s needed.
This situational use often overlaps with the students’ biggest learning challenges:
- Test anxiety and timed exam preparation – 40% use AI to rehearse answers, clarify tricky concepts, or simulate test conditions.
- Complex problem-solving in STEM subjects – 39% rely on AI for guidance in math, statistics, and programming assignments. With 30% of respondents majoring in STEM, these needs are especially pronounced.
Students combine AI use with traditional study methods, such as verifying AI output against textbooks, lecture notes, or peer input. This benefits their learning by minimizing the risk of incorrect or “hallucinated” responses from AI.
Overall, this “on-demand” segment highlights how AI is not just replacing old tools but creating a new form of academic support that is accessible in real time, tailored to specific obstacles, and integrated into students’ personal workflows.
Top AI Tools Students Swear By
Our survey study and complementary third-party studies confirmed that students do not typically limit themselves to using one platform for their academic needs.
The average student used approximately two AI tools, depending on their assignments and after testing different options, based on what they thought worked best. This shows a growing understanding of the limits of each platform and their respective algorithms and capabilities.
The top five AI tools identified in StudyAgent study are:
- ChatGPT - Most popular AI application for generating essays, building outlines, explaining ideas, and summarizing content. Its conversational interface and ability to categorize information clearly allow it to be used for a diverse array of academic tasks.
- Grammarly - Primarily for grammar check and style improvements. Its accuracy and immediate editing feedback have made it indispensable for refining written work.
- Gemini - Regarded as a versatile, all-around tool for anything from writing tasks to math and technical problem solving.
- Copilot - First choice for math and numerical problems, such as statistics and other complex calculations.
- Quillbot - Most often used for paraphrasing text in order to clarify meaning, avoid repetition, and sometimes to reduce the risk of plagiarism.
Frequency and Trends in AI Usage
Students use different numbers of AI tools depending on their degree and major. On average:
- Associate and Bachelor’s students use about 2 tools.
- Master’s students use slightly more, about 2.3 tools.
- Doctorate students use around 2.1 tools.
Looking at majors:
- About 35-43% of Computer Science and Business students use 2 tools regularly.
- Nearly half of Nursing students stick to just 1 tool.
- Social Sciences students mostly use 1 or 2 tools.
AI use is growing fast:
- At least 85% of students across all degree levels say they use AI more now than last year.
- This increase is highest among Doctorate (97%) and Master’s (96%) students.
Devices Driving AI in Student Life
StudyAgent research shows 84% of students primarily use desktops for AI tools, compared to 13% on smartphones and 2% on tablets.
Why desktops lead:
- Larger screens for multitasking with research materials and AI.
- More comfortable, focused study setups.
Why some choose smartphones:
- Always accessible for quick lookups or grammar checks.
- Handy for on-the-go use between classes.
Tablets:
- Offer portability with a bigger display than phones but remain the least-used option.
Overall, desktops dominate for heavy academic work, while smartphones are used for quick, simple AI tasks.
Use of AI by Degree Program
AI is often applied to challenging academic tasks. Synthesising information from multiple sources is reported as most difficult, particularly by Doctorate students (39.5%). For coursework, literature reviews are the top AI-supported task, especially among Doctorate students (44.7%), followed by PowerPoint presentations and case studies.
In academic writing, grammar checks remain the most common AI use at the Associate level (73.8%), but higher degrees rely more on summarising long texts and fact-checking. StudyAgent finds that Paid AI subscriptions are most common among Master’s students (54.4%), with Computer Science and Business students far more likely to pay than Nursing or Social Sciences students.
When it comes to outsourcing homework, a small percentage are open to paying $15–$20 for assistance, with Doctorate students most likely to choose the higher-cost option.
What’s Next for AI in Education?
AI in education is not a distant promise. Expect education to become more personalized, scalable, and equitable but only if systems invest wisely in skill-building, ethical frameworks, and human-AI collaboration that uphold academic integrity and effective AI detection measures.
- AI EdTech is on a steep growth trajectory. The global AI in education market size was estimated at USD 5.88 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 32.27 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 31.2% from 2025 to 2030.
- Personalization is at the core of AI’s rise. Systems powered by LLMs are enabling highly adaptive learning experiences, delivering content tailored to each student's pace and style. Recent journal articles report learning gains of 2x or more compared to traditional methods.
- AI is supplementing, not replacing, teachers. Khan Academy’s CEO envisions AI assistants helping with grading, planning, and monitoring “like having five outstanding grad students” in every classroom.
- Teacher training in AI is ramping up fast. With funding from Microsoft, OpenAI, and Anthropic, millions of educators are set to be equipped with AI skills, from designing quizzes to facilitating lessons ethically.
- Equity and capacity are improving through AI. Real-world pilots such as those in Nigeria demonstrate that AI tutors can fast-track learning, closing gender and resource gaps in underserved contexts.
Wrapping Up: AI’s Place in Academia
The data collected by StudyAgent leaves little doubt that AI is no longer just an experimental add-on in education. From quick grammar fixes to complex research assistance, AI has moved from the edges of academic life to the very center.
Most students now rely on it daily, and the range of tools they use continues to expand. This shift is not slowing down, if anything, it’s becoming the new normal for academic work.
And while the numbers speak for themselves, here’s how leading voices in the field see the path ahead:
“AI won’t replace teachers, but will instead free up time to create richer lesson plans, offer more interactives, design beautiful simulations … and focus on individual students.”
Sal Khan, Khan Academy CEO
Advocates for using AI not as an answer machine, but as a tool to “foster critical thinking and creativity.”
Leah Belsky, VP of Education at OpenAI
Warns that graduates may “feel they ‘don’t fit’ in the AI world” if education fails to teach proficient, thoughtful AI use.
Tyler Cowen, Economist
Sources:
- Ed Mylett. (2024, June 11). Will AI Replace Teachers? feat. @khanacademy Founder Sal Khan. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=va5yW-6wHIs
- OpenAI. (2025, July 30). Leah Belsky on how AI is transforming education — the OpenAI Podcast Ep. 4. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QCLkJra0PjY
- Thibault Spirlet. (2025, August 6). Economist Tyler Cowen warns students unprepared for AI economy. Business Insider. https://www.businessinsider.com/economist-tyler-cowen-warns-students-unprepared-for-ai-economy-2025-8
- Grand View Research. (2024). AI In Education Market Size & Share Report, 2022-2030. Www.grandviewresearch.com. https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/artificial-intelligence-ai-education-market-report
- Arjun Sirangi. (2025). LLMs in Personalized Education: Adaptive Learning Models. Journal of Information Systems Engineering and Management, 10(47s), 706–715. https://doi.org/10.52783/jisem.v10i47s.9333
- Innocent Uzougbo Onwuegbuzie. (2025). The Risks and Rewards of AI Dependence in Nigerian Education: A Critical Evaluation. 2(1), 1–27. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15161211
- Digital Education Council Global AI Student survey 2024. (n.d.). https://26556596.fs1.hubspotusercontent-eu1.net/hubfs/26556596/Digital%20Education%20Council%20Global%20AI%20Student%20Survey%202024.pdf
