A new poll highlights growing concerns among college students about the impact of artificial intelligence on their future careers, with many rethinking their academic paths as AI continues to reshape the workforce.

The Lumina Foundation-Gallup 2026 State of Higher Education survey, released Thursday, found that 47% of currently enrolled students have considered changing their major "a great deal" or a "fair amount" due to AI.

Male students and those pursuing associate degrees were more likely to say they have weighed switching fields in response to the rapidly evolving technology.

The findings underscore how AI is already influencing higher education decisions. About 16% of students said they have switched majors because of AI, with the highest rates seen among those in vocational and technology-related programs.

In contrast, students studying healthcare or natural sciences were the least likely to report making a change.

The survey also points to the growing presence of AI in the classroom. A majority of students (57%) say they use AI at least weekly in their studies, while one in five report using it daily.

Usage is higher among men, as well as among students in business, technology, and engineering fields compared to those in humanities or healthcare.

At the same time, many colleges appear wary of the trend. According to the poll, 42% of students say their schools discourage the use of AI, and 11% report it is prohibited altogether.

Students who rely on AI say it helps them better understand difficult material and complete tasks more efficiently. Meanwhile, those who avoid using AI largely point to ethical concerns, along with school policies and privacy issues, as reasons for steering clear of the technology.

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