Study Finds Low AI Literacy Among U.S. College Freshmen, Highlighting Need for Formal Instruction

A June 2026 joint study by Auburn University and James Madison University assessed generative-AI literacy among freshmen at the two institutions, finding scores of 54% at Auburn and 63% at James Madison, both considered low. AI literacy was limited across disciplines, and STEM students also needed instruction. The study appeared in Research & Practice in Assessment and was presented at the 2026 Association for Psychological Science annual convention.

The findings give universities quantitative evidence for AI-literacy policy and show they cannot assume students already know how to use AI critically. They directly support incorporating AI literacy into formal curricula and addressing cross-disciplinary needs. Universities may adjust course offerings, while policymakers may add AI literacy to higher-education assessment standards.