Princeton is at a crossroads with AI, and the stakes couldn't be higher. While the university champions itself as a leader in artificial intelligence research and education, a glaring inequity persists: not all students have access to the most advanced AI tools. This disparity threatens to widen the achievement gap, leaving those who can't afford premium AI services at a disadvantage.
AI isn't just a buzzword at Princeton; it's woven into the very fabric of the institution. The Class of 2028's pre-read delved into AI's societal and technological implications, and the university has spearheaded the establishment of a cutting-edge AI research center in partnership with state legislators. A staggering 80% of seniors in the Class of 2025 reported using generative AI for assignments when permitted. As President Christopher Eisgruber aptly stated, Princeton recognizes both the promise and challenges of AI, positioning itself as a leader in navigating this transformative landscape.
As a STEM student, I've personally experienced the benefits of ChatGPT Plus, which I subscribe to for its unlimited conceptual examples and data analysis capabilities. However, the $20 monthly fee is a barrier for many. And this is the part most people miss: with AI becoming indispensable in academia and beyond, Princeton has a responsibility to democratize access to these powerful tools.
Princeton isn't alone in grappling with this issue. Peer institutions like Duke University have already taken bold steps. Duke provides all undergraduates with access to the latest ChatGPT models through a private contract with OpenAI, ensuring students can leverage AI without financial constraints. They've also developed DukeGPT, a custom AI model tailored for institutional use. These initiatives not only level the playing field but also safeguard student privacy by prohibiting data storage for model training. Other universities, such as the California State University system, have launched similar programs, underscoring the growing recognition of AI as an essential educational resource.
But here's where it gets controversial: Should Princeton follow suit and provide universal access to ChatGPT Plus? Critics might argue that subsidizing premium AI tools could encourage over-reliance or misuse. However, this perspective overlooks the reality that students are already using AI, whether Princeton likes it or not. The question isn’t whether AI will be used, but whether its use will exacerbate existing inequalities. By providing equal access, Princeton can ensure that all students, regardless of financial means, can harness AI's potential to enhance their learning.
Princeton’s ban on outside tutoring highlights its commitment to fairness in education. Providing access to advanced AI models aligns with this principle, ensuring that financial barriers don’t determine academic success. Moreover, as Princeton history professor D. Graham Burnett demonstrated in his New Yorker article, AI tools like ChatGPT can revolutionize learning across disciplines when used thoughtfully. His assignment encouraging students to engage with ChatGPT on the history of attention revealed its potential to foster critical thinking and deepen understanding, far beyond mere task completion.
The university already invests in a vast array of academic resources through its library system. Funding access to ChatGPT Plus would be a logical extension of this commitment, particularly given AI's central role in modern research. By prioritizing data privacy and equitable access, Princeton can empower students to produce higher-quality research and prepare them for an AI-driven future.
Of course, concerns about misuse are valid. However, providing access to advanced models is unlikely to create new problems; students already using free versions of ChatGPT are more likely to benefit from the enhanced capabilities of ChatGPT Plus. Princeton’s faculty has demonstrated ingenuity in designing assessments that minimize AI abuse, proving that responsible integration is achievable.
AI is no longer a futuristic concept—it’s here, and it’s reshaping industries. The 2024 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, awarded for the development of AlphaFold, underscores AI's transformative potential. For Princeton students to remain competitive and innovative, they must have ample opportunities to engage with the most sophisticated AI models. This raises a thought-provoking question: Can Princeton truly claim to be a leader in AI if it doesn’t ensure all students have access to the tools driving this revolution?
Princeton has the resources and the vision to lead the way in equitable AI education. By providing universal access to ChatGPT Plus, the university can bridge the digital divide, foster innovation, and prepare its students to thrive in an AI-dominated world. The time to act is now—let’s not leave any student behind.
Jorge Reyes is an Opinion columnist for the ‘Prince.’ A Chemistry major from Louisville, Ky., he can be reached at jr7982[at]princeton.edu. Subscribe to the ‘Prince’ for more insights and analysis.
