AI Survey
The student survey on artificial intelligence (AI) was first administered at San Diego State University in Fall 2023, achieving a 21% response rate (n = 7,811). In Fall 2024, the survey was expanded to include faculty and staff (n = 2,004) in addition to students (n = 10,162), resulting in a 26% campus-wide response rate (n = 12,166). In Fall 2025, participation increased substantially, with 16,396 total respondents—14,860 students and 1,536 faculty and staff—representing a 38% campus-wide response rate.
Who's Using the AI Survey?
SDSU’s AI Survey is gaining national momentum, with over 50 institutions expressing interest in adopting it to guide data-informed AI strategies on their campuses.
The survey instrument asks students for basic demographic and educational background data, such as age, residency status, college, and years of study in their current program. Five Likert-style sections examine students' perceptions of AI along several dimensions: awareness and understanding of AI; experience and usage of AI; perceptions and attitudes towards AI; skills, education, and training in AI; and future expectations of AI.
Furthermore, an optional open-ended section provides students with the opportunity to share qualitative insights regarding the impact of AI on their education, their perception of AI's future role in their lives, and the specific AI tools they use.
This survey instrument provides a detailed summary of students' engagement with AI, offering a valuable resource for understanding their perspectives, knowledge, and expectations on AI in both educational and broader contexts. Survey results can illuminate the strengths and weaknesses of current programs, equity gaps, and areas of emphasis for both educators and administrators.