Nearly Half of College Students Consider Changing Majors Due to AI Impact

Nearly half of college students say they've thought at least a fair amount about changing their major or studies because of AI's potential impact on careers, according to new polling from Lumina Foundation and Gallup. Among currently enrolled students, 14% have thought "a great deal" and 33% have thought "a fair amount" about switching fields due to AI's effect on job markets or specific industries. The trend reflects how artificial intelligence is reshaping career prospects for entry-level workers as college graduates enter a job market transformed by massive technological evolution. AI isn't just changing how students study, but also determining which subjects they choose to pursue in the first place. Male students are more likely to consider major changes than female students, with 60% versus 38% respectively thinking about switching. Students in technology and vocational fields show the highest rates at 70% and 71%, compared to business, humanities, and engineering majors at around 52-54%. Additionally, 16% of students have actually changed their major due to AI's potential impact. The shift is already affecting job interviews, with employer interest in AI skills rising sharply. According to a survey by American University student Christina Eid, 12% of students in 2024 reported being asked about AI abilities during job interviews, jumping to 30% in 2025. Eid, who runs annual surveys on student AI interactions, says her generation has no choice but to experiment with the technology.

Nearly Half of College Students Consider Changing Majors Due to AI Impact

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