55% of Students Think AI Skills Matter More Than Their Degree — But Only 31% Say Their School Offers Relevant Training

A national survey commissioned by Honorlock found that 55% of college students believe AI will be more relevant to their careers than their degree itself — yet only 31% say their school offers classes preparing them to use AI professionally, and fewer than one in five of those students have actually taken one. Meanwhile, 43% report no AI training is available at all. The gap goes institutional too: only 12% of colleges have a comprehensive AI policy in place, leaving most students to figure out appropriate AI use on their own. Employers aren't waiting — the World Economic Forum and SHRM both flag AI proficiency as a top in-demand skill, with entry-level workers most exposed to the skills gap. If your school doesn't offer AI coursework, ask your advisor or career center about workshops, and seek out free professional AI courses (Google, Microsoft, and LinkedIn all offer them) to build credentials you can show employers now.