This comprehensive report explores how AI is getting embedded across higher education functions, including: recruiting and admissions, financial aid, grading, tutoring, counseling, and the delivery of education itself. 

In Spring of 2026, Student Defense submitted public records requests to 24 public colleges and universities across the country to assess whether their undergraduate admissions offices have adopted policies specific to those offices governing the use of artificial intelligence (AI).

Seven dos and don’ts of AI use in pre-enrollment processes, from marketing and recruitment of applicants to the conversion of admitted students into enrollees.