Despite concerns, Gen Z students are optimistic about AI

A new 2026 Career Interest Survey of 11,443 Gen Z students finds broad confidence about life after college, strong interest in health-focused benefits and skills growth at work, and sharply rising concern about AI’s impact on privacy and society—while daily AI

For many young adults. the future isn’t just something to chase—it’s something to plan for while the ground keeps shifting under their feet. In the middle of that uncertainty. a large new survey captured how Gen Z is thinking about work. society. and the technology that now follows them everywhere. including artificial intelligence.

The 2026 Career Interest Survey surveyed 11,443 Gen Z students through the National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS). It is part of a bi-annual series that tracks changes over several years.

Even with the anxieties swirling around them, students’ confidence is striking. Nearly all—94 percent—are extremely, very, or somewhat confident about their future after graduating college. Eighty-four percent believe they can personally make a difference in the world.

When they talk about what matters most, the priorities are social and practical at the same time. Human rights is their top societal issue. It is followed by equitable access to healthcare and poverty/hunger.

Plans for work come into focus quickly, too. Seventy-nine percent plan to have a job secured prior to graduating or within six months of graduation.

AI is everywhere in their answers, but it’s not received as a simple win. Students’ relationship with AI is universal—and complicated. The share saying they are “not using AI at all” dropped from 36 percent in 2024 to 6 percent in 2026. Half (49 percent) use AI on a daily or weekly basis.

At the same time, concern is rising. The majority of respondents say AI will have a more negative than positive impact on society. with that sentiment increasing from 59 percent in 2024 to 69 percent in 2026. Virtually all—91 percent—think AI will negatively impact their privacy and security in the next 10 years.

Their day-to-day behavior also shows how quickly AI is reshaping information habits. Fifty-five percent of respondents use AI to search for information on the internet, suggesting the way people find answers is shifting even as they question where those answers will lead.

The survey’s employment signals underline what students expect when they step into the job market. When asked what benefits matter most, annual salary ranks last (49 percent). Health benefits lead at 72 percent, while time off and a flexible work schedule tie at 62 percent.

They also anticipate instability. More than half—56 percent—expect to stay in their first job for two years or less. And when considering whether a workplace is right for them, fair treatment of all employees ranks #1, followed by work-life balance and corporate social responsibility.

Skills and workplace culture are high on the list of what they want next. They care the most about gaining skills and professional development (66 percent), followed by work/life balance (47 percent), and positive workplace culture (38 percent).

Job location doesn’t carry the same weight. Those ranking job location least important—#7—rose from 6 percent in 2024 to 21 percent in 2026.

Political alignment also matters in a direct way. Fifty-one percent of respondents would take a job with an organization that does not align with their political beliefs.

The same confidence that shows up in their views about the future is reflected in how they expect to pay for college. Scholarships are the dominant force, ranking #1 at nearly half (49 percent), followed by family contribution (14 percent) and high school/college jobs (13 percent).

Their career interests point toward technical and health-related fields. The top fields of interest are engineering (17 percent), sciences (16 percent), and medicine/health services (15 percent).

Not every student is chasing a guaranteed paycheck. Fifty-two percent would go down a career path that guarantees financial success but doesn’t appeal to them.

Housing plans are also changing. The percentage of students who expect to live at home for their first job increased from 60 percent in 2022 to 68 percent in 2026.

Language ability appears uneven, too. Respondents are largely monolingual: 70 percent are not fluent in any language besides English.

Taken together, the results sketch a generation that is moving forward with open eyes. They use AI constantly, yet they’re increasingly worried about what it could do to privacy and security. They feel confident about graduating. but they’re not underestimating what the world may demand once they’re out of school—and into work.

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