The AI Operations Report 2026: Higher Education

Go Inside 75 Higher Education Organizations Running AI

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Higher Education is betting on AI.
The results are still unproven.

From data architecture to post-launch ownership, this report reveals what it takes to run AI in a sector constrained by shrinking budgets and thinner teams.

85%

Believe AI is making their institution more competitive.

53%

Say their AI initiatives haven’t met expectations.

How to Use the Report

Benchmark Your Program

See where your institution sits against 75 peers. The appetite to expand is already here: 71% say scaling what works is their top priority for the year ahead, yet only 11% strongly agree AI has delivered measurable value so far.

Spot the Patterns

Data is the hardest part of launching AI, and it doesn’t get any easier after go-live. 80% of institutions keep hitting data accuracy and availability problems once the technology is running.

Apply the Findings

Get the practices that keep AI delivering after launch. Learn how institutions build the data foundation, governance, adoption, and measurement frameworks that turn AI into lasting business value.

Resource the Work

Running AI is its own job. The resource shortages that make AI appealing are the same ones that make it hard to run, and 59% of institutions name internal bandwidth as a top constraint.

We did not define the budget clearly at the start, so it was harder to measure the ROI later.

Senior Higher Education Leader, 2026 AI Operations Survey

Meet Our AI Experts

Brian Gannuscio
Chief Digital Officer

Sam Taylor
Senior Director, Innovation & Emerging Technology

Jenny Hall
VP, Education

Build AI That Makes An Impact

See why AI investment keeps outpacing returns across 75 higher education organizations — and the right moves to close the gap.

Get the Report
Get the Report

By submitting this form, I understand that Coastal will process my information in accordance with TCS' Privacy Notice. I may receive marketing communications with exclusive invitations, relevant tips, insider perks, and more. I understand that I can unsubscribe at any time by following the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email I receive. For further details on how your personal data will be processed and how your consent can be managed, refer to the TCS Privacy Notice and California Notice at Collection.