Cal State’s ChatGPT deal: wide access, little training
Campus
The largest US university system bought ChatGPT for all 22 campuses. A survey shows mixed results.
What happened
- California State University paid OpenAI $17 million in 2025 for ChatGPT Edu on all 22 campuses, under an 18-month contract ending in July 2026. The system has more than 470,000 students.
- By April, only 0.7% of students and 16% of faculty had finished the voluntary AI training.
- In a survey of over 94,000 people, 52% of faculty said AI hurt their teaching, and 67% of students said professors do not teach them to use AI well. Some faculty petitioned to end the deal.
Why it matters for you
Buying licenses is the easy part. The value depends on training and on clear course rules. For any campus planning a deal, measure use and training from day one.
Sources
- Cal State struck a deal with OpenAI. Some students and faculty refuse to use it, CalMatters, May 1, 2026.
- This big university system is embracing AI, NPR, May 25, 2026.
Notes for learning. Nothing here is investment advice. All news