AI Influenced Study Choices for 55% of California Adult Students, Survey Finds

AI is influencing decisions about what to study, not just how to complete an assignment. In Gallup and College Futures’ newly released 2026 State of California Learners report, 55% of surveyed California adult students said AI had at least some impact on the degree or certificate program they selected, according to USA TODAY’s coverage.

Released in October 2026, the report draws on web surveys conducted in February and March. It examines Californians’ views on education beyond high school, the value of a degree and AI. Its adult-student group consists of people pursuing a degree or certificate, placing the study-choice finding within education programs rather than among schoolchildren.

Students also expect AI to affect the work ahead of them. Thirty-two percent said it would have a great impact on their future jobs, while 36% expected some impact. Together, those responses put 68%—more than two-thirds of surveyed students—in the group anticipating at least some effect on their working lives.

Among California adults surveyed, the job outlook was nearly evenly divided: 36% expected AI’s effect on their jobs to be positive, and 37% expected it to be negative. These figures capture expectations about employment, not measured job gains or losses.

Combining the daily and weekly groups puts regular schoolwork use at 55%. That matches the share reporting AI’s influence on their study choices, but the two findings describe different parts of education: selecting a program and completing work within it. The report thus covers AI both as an influence on education decisions and as a tool students already use.