UMass Study Reveals Students Who Used AI Got More Out of Their Classes

A University of Massachusetts‑Amherst study found that college students who were permitted to use artificial intelligence in their courses reported higher satisfaction and engagement than those who were banned from AI, despite test scores and grades showing no significant difference.

According to the study, two economics classes received the same assignments, lectures, and exams. UMass said that one class was encouraged to use AI tools such as ChatGPT "with structured guidance and disclosure requirements." The other class was told not to use AI.

The study's authors found "no measurable effect" on AI use or non-use on test scores and grades. However, those students who were allowed to use AI "consistently reported higher satisfaction." These students participated more in class and found they preferred their own answers to those generated by AI.

"It's not that AI helped students learn more — it helped them learn more efficiently and confidently," study leader and economics professor Christian Rojas said in a statement shared with CBS News Boston.

According to the study, students in the class who used AI also reported being more likely to say they may pursue a career with an intensive AI focus.

Rojas emphasized that AI, when used with explicit instructions and transparency, can create a more engaging and impactful learning environment and may encourage students to consider AI-related careers.

"Letting students engage with it [AI] just creates a different environment," he said. "It's been super impactful for me and the way I think about teaching."