AI is transforming higher education by reshaping how students learn, how institutions operate, and what skills matter most after graduation. But this shift comes at a time when many universities in the U.S. are already under pressure from declining enrollment to rising costs and questions about the value of a degree.

Our latest Whitepaper, launched in partnership with Inside Higher Ed, addresses these challenges: 'Shaping the Future of Higher Education: AI and Evolving Student Needs.' We spotlight leading voices in American higher education, who share their take on how institutions can harness new technologies to drive student success, including the Universities of Harvard, New Hampshire, Hawai’i System and Westcliff. 

Here are three key takeaways:

Are universities still meeting students where they are?  🤔
Today’s students expect more than a traditional classroom experience. They want flexibility, digital-first tools, and learning that feels relevant to their lives and career goals. Increasingly, they’re looking for education that adapts to their needs, not the other way around. If they don’t get it, they’ll look elsewhere.

Michael Moore from the University of New Hampshire says:

“We’ve always said that students have to conform to whatever the institution is. But today, if your institution is not meeting students where they are, they will go to a place that fits their needs.”

Students are looking for personalised, affordable learning that aligns with the fast-changing skills landscape, and AI is playing a major role in that shift. Tools that offer adaptive learning, intelligent resource recommendations, and seamless access to materials are becoming must-haves, not nice-to-haves.

AI skills are becoming core to student success ✨

Employers are looking for graduates who know how to work with AI tools, and students know it. A recent OpenAI survey found that 75% of college-aged users want to use AI in their education and future careers, but many institutions are still catching up.

There’s a growing need for universities to teach not just with AI, but about it, embedding it into the curriculum, setting ethical guidelines, and helping students understand how to use it critically. As Jodi Consten from Westcliff University puts it, AI is now a 21st-century skill, right alongside creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking.

All of this is not just about students. Staff and faculty also need support and training to adapt their teaching practices. Creating spaces for different perspectives, those who embrace AI and those who are sceptical, can strengthen institutional approaches and lead to better long-term outcomes.

Digital tools are opening up access and saving students money 💰

Textbook prices in the U.S. continue to rise, creating serious financial barriers for many students. Some are even choosing to go without required materials. That’s where platforms like Perlego come in.

At Westcliff University, Perlego’s digital library, offering access to more than a million academic and professional titles, is helping students stay engaged without the added cost. The AI-powered tools also support deeper exploration and independent learning, particularly for international students or those who might hesitate to speak up in class.

Instead of relying on a single expensive textbook, students are now exploring multiple sources, reading beyond the syllabus, and learning how to find credible, relevant information on their own. That kind of learning autonomy is invaluable, especially as AI becomes more integrated into workplaces and everyday life.

Looking ahead 🚀

AI is not the end of traditional education; it’s an opportunity to enhance it. Used thoughtfully, it can improve access, increase engagement, and support better outcomes for all learners. But success depends on the choices institutions make now, around tools, training, and putting students first. 

Want to dive deeper into how AI is shaping the next chapter of Higher Ed?