AI in higher education has moved from experiment to expectation. Students now use AI tools as routinely as word processors, and adoption has accelerated faster than most institutions anticipated.
The disconnect between what scientists know about learning and what students actually do has never been wider. While cognitive psychology has identified highly effective study techniques, surveys show students gravitating toward the least effective strategies.
Social media screening has become standard practice in university hiring and admissions. HR departments review faculty candidates' X feeds. Admissions officers search applicants' Instagram accounts. Most employers now screen online. But for university leadership, the risks extend far beyond what most institutions have considered.
The global international education market now exceeds $200 billion annually, according to HolonIQ data. Nearly 7 million students pursue higher education outside their home countries. Yet the financial flows remain deliberately opaque.
Before investing in AI, leadership must define what "value" means for your institution. Value extends beyond cost savings. It includes mission alignment, student outcomes, faculty productivity, and competitive positioning.
Studying abroad remains out of reach for many students. Tuition fees, housing costs, and daily expenses add up fast. A four-year degree in the US can easily exceed $150,000. But affordable options exist.
