The 2025 EDUCAUSE Students and Technology Report reveals students increasingly prefer face-to-face instruction despite appreciating technological advances that offer flexibility.
Drawing insights from over 1,000 undergraduate students across 10 U.S. institutions, the report explores six key areas: satisfaction with technology services, modality preferences, hybrid learning, generative AI, workforce readiness, and student well-being.
In this article, we’ll break down the report’s top findings and explore what they mean for higher education leaders and decision-makers.
On-campus Learning Gains Popularity
Although online and hybrid options remain widely available, students are increasingly gravitating toward on-site learning experiences, according to the report.
Compared to 2023 findings, more students now favor in-person synchronous learning, with preferences increasing by 9 percentage points for lab work, 8 points for lectures and 6 points for exams.
This trend is strongest among traditional-age students. The survey found a significant correlation between age and preferred learning format, with students 18-24 more likely to choose on-campus experiences while older students generally preferred online options.
Tech Satisfaction Tied to Innovation
Students’ overall satisfaction with their institution’s technology services is strongly tied to how advanced they perceive their campus to be.
Among students who described their institution as "cutting-edge," 85% reported satisfaction with tech support, compared with just 34% at schools perceived as technologically behind.
Reliable campus internet and faculty's effective use of classroom technology emerged as primary satisfaction drivers.
Institutions that invest in visible, student-facing tech infrastructure, and ensure faculty are equipped to use it, are more likely to foster positive student experiences.
How You Do Hybrid Matters
While 70% said engagement expectations in hybrid courses were clearly communicated, and 59% found instructors effective, students still reported inconsistent experiences across courses, including differences in how instructors structured hybrid components, used technology and maintained presence in both in-person and online settings.
“Hybrid teaching requires intentional design and facilitation that scaffolds learning across online and face-to-face environments,” said Dr. Melissa Randazzo, Academic Officer of Speech-Language Pathology at Evidence In Motion (EIM). “To do this effectively, faculty need development opportunities that focus on strategies to reduce cognitive load, ensure consistency, and sustain student engagement across modalities.”
Fewer than half of students (48%) agreed that instructors applied consistent hybrid practices. The findings point to a need for clearer institutional definitions and more support for faculty to ensure hybrid learning is not only flexible but also predictable and effective across the board.
AI’s Growing Role in the Student Experience
Generative artificial intelligence is emerging as both a learning tool and a workforce imperative. While many students recognize the importance of developing AI-related skills, a gap remains between interest and confidence.
Students often feel underprepared to engage with AI technologies, even as they anticipate needing those skills in the job market.
The report points to a disparity between student expectations and faculty readiness: while students are eager to learn with and about AI, instructors may lack the training or comfort level to integrate these tools effectively.
"Within accelerated hybrid health care education, it is essential to prepare students not only to leverage AI as a tool for learning, but to apply it ethically and professionally in clinical practice,” said Dr. Angela MacCabe, PT, DPT, PHD, Academic Officer of Doctor of Physical Therapy at EIM.
“Competency in using AI for documentation, such as patient treatment notes, and for designing individualized home exercise programs, reflects the evolving expectations of modern health care. Educators play a critical role in fostering responsible integration of AI to support clinical reasoning, efficiency and patient-centered care."
Institutions that provide targeted support for faculty may be better positioned to close this gap and help students build in-demand competencies.
Career Readiness and Institutional Support
Students who view their institutions as technologically advanced report greater career readiness and confidence in their education's value. However, technology adoption alone isn't sufficient, institutions must help students develop practical, workforce-ready skills.
This includes providing hands-on technology experience, guidance on AI ethics and application, and comprehensive career services.
Accessibility and Mental Health Concerns Grow
Despite technology's potential to improve educational access, students with disabilities and mental health challenges continue facing barriers. Many report inadequate institutional support.
Students with disabilities emphasized the importance of accessibility in both digital and physical learning environments. The report calls on institutions to take a proactive approach, one that prioritizes inclusive design and invests in mental health resources to support holistic student success.
Balancing Traditional and Technology-Enhanced Learning
The 2025 EDUCAUSE report highlights that student preferences aren't uniform. Today's undergraduates want flexible options alongside personal connection, clear structure and relevant skills.
"We’re seeing a clear call for intentionality," said April Briggs, vice president of strategic partnerships at EIM. "Institutions can’t treat hybrid and digital learning as add-ons. Students are asking for cohesive experiences that support their learning goals and their lives, whether they’re 18 or 48."
Institutions that successfully blend in-person engagement with digital innovation – while supporting faculty development, AI literacy and student wellbeing, will best meet diverse student needs.