Survey Finds Near-Universal AI Adoption at HBCUs: 98% of Students and 96% of Faculty Already Using It
New Ellucian, UNCF and Huston-Tillotson University report shows HBCUs leading in AI engagement, alongside concerns around access, cost and equity
Ellucian, the leading higher education technology solutions provider, the United Negro College Fund‘s (UNCF) Institute for Capacity Building, and Huston-Tillotson University (HTU) today released The Shift Ahead: HBCUs, Artificial Intelligence, and a New Vision for Higher Education. The report spotlights how students, faculty, and administrators at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) are engaging with artificial intelligence in real time, offering a bold, nuanced perspective on its impact across education, campus operations, and career readiness.
Findings reveal that 98% of HBCU students, 96% of faculty, and 81% of administrators have used AI tools, and usage is expected to rise across nearly every category over the next two years. Importantly, respondents are not only adopting AI but applying it in meaningful ways — from exploring workforce preparation to experimenting with new approaches to teaching and learning. Students and faculty alike express optimism that AI can strengthen academic outcomes and open new career pathways.
At the same time, the report surfaces persistent challenges: concerns about data privacy and cost, uneven access to reliable technology — particularly for students — and a clear institutional readiness gap. Many faculty and administrators say their institutions have not yet formally implemented AI tools, and the majority point to a need for role-specific training and clearer strategies to scale adoption responsibly.