AI Adoption in Higher Education: Insights from the Complete College America Convening
Tracie Yorke
At the Complete College America (CCA) Annual Convening, T3 Advisory conducted an informal poll to gather insights on how institutions are approaching AI adoption. The poll invited participants to reflect on their strategies and areas of use, engaging 72 attendees—56% from community colleges and 42% from colleges or universities. While not a formal study, the results provide a meaningful snapshot of how institutions are navigating AI integration and offer valuable insights into emerging trends across higher education.
Audrey Ellis and Tracie Yorke collecting poll data at CCA’s Annual Convening in Indianapolis.
AI Adoption Stages: Exploring Possibilities
The first poll asked participants to identify their stage of AI adoption. A majority (68%) described themselves as "exploring" AI, actively experimenting with tools and technologies to figure out where AI fits into academics, student success efforts, and operations. Meanwhile, 29% reported they are still "observing," indicating a more cautious approach. Only 3% identified as "innovating," showing a perceived advanced integration of AI throughout their institutions.
The variety of responses highlights just how differently institutions are approaching AI adoption. It’s exciting to see many institutions eager to explore what’s possible, even as they navigate uncertainty about how to implement AI at scale.
Spectrum of AI Adoption across CCA Convening attendees.
Where AI Is Taking Hold
The second poll explored specific areas where institutions are applying AI, with nearly a third of participants identifying Academic Affairs as the primary area of adoption. Within Academic Affairs, teaching and learning was the most frequently mentioned focus, reflecting AI’s growing presence in core educational practices. STEM programs, libraries, and liberal arts also emerged as areas where AI is playing a role.
One of the most striking findings was that community colleges, which made up the majority of respondents, reported twice as much AI adoption in Academic Affairs compared to their larger university counterparts. This suggests that community colleges are leveraging AI to enhance teaching and learning in innovative ways.
Student Affairs ranked as the next most prominent area, with AI being used in advising and student life initiatives.
Operations and Administration ranked last, with IT leading AI adoption, closely followed by institutional research. Another notable finding was the use of AI at the President and Chancellor levels, signaling its potential as a tool for strategic leadership and decision-making.
Poll Results: Where AI is taking place at institutions.
Charting a Path Forward
This poll offers a valuable look at how institutions are beginning to adopt AI across different areas. The insights from these conversations highlight the opportunities and challenges colleges face as they move from exploration to implementation.
T3 Advisory is also collaborating with the Gates Foundation to develop strategies for equitable and effective AI integration in higher education. If your institution has insights or experiences with AI adoption, we’d like to hear from you and learn together how AI is shaping higher education.