Tyton Partners Releases Study on College Students' Challenges and AI Use

BOSTON, Sept. 15, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- Tyton Partners, a leading provider of strategy consulting and investment banking services to the global knowledge and information services sector, has released its latest research, "Listening to Learners 2026," which offers a comprehensive look at the challenges and aspirations of college students in the United States. The study, which surveyed over 1,800 undergraduate students across nearly 1,100 institutions, highlights significant gaps between student and institutional priorities.

According to the report, workload anxiety is the top challenge for students, with 61% of respondents citing it as a major concern. In contrast, institutional leaders primarily focus on academic readiness. Students express a desire for both real-world application and professional skills to prepare for their careers, but institutions tend to emphasize professional skills, leaving students to find hands-on experience on their own.

The research also reveals that students are not fully utilizing available support services, such as tutoring and career counseling. Only a quarter of learners are using these resources, and when asked why, 51% of students say they feel the services are not relevant or unnecessary, while 26% cite inconvenient hours or access. Administrators, however, believe the main barrier is a lack of awareness among students.

Administrators and faculty are more confident that coursework prepares students for the workforce. However, students have a different perspective. Seven in ten administrators express confidence in course-based workforce preparation, compared to six in ten students. Students' top career preparation requests include a clear path from their major to a career and access to internships. Despite these requests, only 31% of students feel they can make that career-path connection, and only one in four currently participate in an internship.

The report also explores the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in students' academic lives. Sixty-one percent of students now use AI at least weekly, up from 42% last year. AI is being used for various purposes, including writing and editing assignments, tutoring, and notetaking. Despite this increased use, students still prefer human connection alongside the technology. While 35% of students turn to AI when struggling with a course concept, peers and instructors remain the primary source of help for most students.

Additionally, the report notes that students are increasingly turning to AI for academic advising. However, a majority (56%) still want human support services. Catherine Shaw, an Associate Partner at Tyton Partners, emphasized the importance of integrating AI with critical thinking and evaluating AI output in the context of real-world applications.

Hadley Dorn, Senior Principal at Tyton Partners, stated, "The story this year is a student body that wants to succeed and is asking for help in new ways, including from AI. The question for institutions is whether their supports are built to meet students where they actually are."

The report, developed with support from the Gates Foundation and Stellic, was fielded in May 2026 and connects student and institutional perspectives across beliefs and challenges, generative AI, student support services, and workforce preparation. Tyton Partners plans to release a follow-up report, "Driving Toward a Degree 2026," in October.