A new Lumina Foundation–Gallup State of Higher Education study found students are using generative AI frequently even when institutions discourage or prohibit it, and many report unclear professor policies. The survey of 4,000 students indicates a majority use tools like ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, or Google Gemini every day or week. Students said the most common reasons include understanding complex material, saving time, improving grades, and career preparation. But only 7% reported that their institutions encourage AI use “as much as possible,” while about half said they use AI weekly despite discouragement or bans. The findings also show students reconsider majors based on generative AI’s disruption of the workforce. More than 40% of bachelor’s seekers reported AI has caused them to consider changing majors, and about one in seven cited AI and technological advances as an enrollment reason. Education leaders are pressing for clearer expectations and practical training so students can use AI ethically and effectively—turning AI policy into an implementation problem rather than a compliance slogan.