Computer Science Degrees Fall Out of Favour as Graduate Unemployment Rises
Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia — The heyday of computer science degrees at US universities is beginning to fade. Interest among prospective students has been eroded by artificial intelligence (AI), which is seen as likely to eliminate jobs related to computer science.
This autumn semester, enrolment in the information technology field fell sharply. The latest data from the National Student Clearinghouse show that new undergraduate enrolments in computer science at US universities dropped by more than 12%. Postgraduate enrolments fell by more than 10%.
The decline reinforces a broader trend of students moving away from technology. In just two years, computer science undergraduate programmes have lost 18.4% of their students, while postgraduate programmes have plunged by 27.1%.
“This is a remarkable decline for a field that not long ago was recorded as one of the fastest-growing degree subjects in higher education,” said Matthew Holsapple, senior director of research at the National Student Clearinghouse, as quoted by Business Standard on Thursday (29 October 2026).
AI cuts entry-level jobs
The fall in interest in computer science is closely linked to changes in the technology industry’s employment landscape. AI-driven efficiency measures have led many technology giants to eliminate entry-level coding positions. New computer science graduates are finding it increasingly difficult to compete for their first jobs, leaving some unemployed after graduating.
A report by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics last August confirmed that computer and mathematical occupations were among the areas most affected by AI automation.
Meanwhile, stricter immigration policies under President Donald Trump have added to the pressure on international student enrolments. Education consultancies JB International and NAFSA reported that the number of new international students in the US fell by 17% in 2025. The trend is projected to continue, with applications to US universities from abroad down 10% this year — the largest decline in a decade.
Amid a broader slowdown in university enrolment, which grew by just 0.6%, community colleges have been the only bright spot. These non-degree-granting institutions recorded a 1.2% increase in student enrolments.
“Students are beginning to seek alternative educational pathways outside the traditional model. Affordability is one of their main considerations,” Holsapple concluded.