Computer Science Enrollment Drops 15%: AI Fears and Market Shifts Drive the Decline

According to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center, computer science enrollment dropped significantly in Fall 2025, ranging from a 15% decline at graduate institutions to nearly 6% at undergraduate two-year institutions. This reverses a decade-long growth trend.

The CERP Pulse Survey comparing 2025-26 to 2024-25 found that 62% of computing units reported declining enrollment, while only 19% remained steady and just 13% saw increases.

This marks a dramatic shift. The number of students earning bachelor's degrees in computer and information sciences had more than doubled over the last decade—from 51,696 in 2013-2014 to 112,720 in 2022-2023. That growth has now stalled and reversed.

The Computing Research Association links the enrollment drop to labor market fears, AI concerns, and shifts toward specialized degrees like cybersecurity. Multiple factors are converging to make students reconsider CS as a major:

• AI job displacement fears — 64% of pessimistic CS majors cite generative AI as a factor in their outlook
• Tech layoffs coverage — High-profile layoffs at major tech companies have dampened enthusiasm
• Entry-level hiring freeze — 25% drop in junior developer hiring at top firms signals tougher job prospects
• Salary growth stagnation — CS salary premiums have shrunk relative to other professional degrees
• International student decline — Visa concerns reduce international enrollment in graduate CS programs

Handshake data shows that generative AI is a clear driver of pessimism among CS students—64% of pessimistic CS majors say generative AI is a factor, compared to 47% of pessimistic students overall.

The enrollment decline isn't students leaving tech entirely—many are pivoting to fields they perceive as more secure or specialized:

Despite the enrollment decline, computer science remains a valuable degree—but the calculus has changed. Here's how to evaluate whether CS is right for you:

• CS still makes sense if: You're genuinely interested in how computers work, you want to build complex systems, you're prepared to specialize and continuously learn
• Consider alternatives if: You're choosing CS purely for salary, you prefer defined career paths, you're uncomfortable with rapid change
• Key insight: A general CS degree alone is no longer a guaranteed ticket to a high-paying job—specialization and practical experience matter more than ever

According to MARKETview Education, 'Computer Science isn't the only major to see changes in interest emerge.' They note that Nursing saw a similar substantial downward swing post-pandemic and is only starting to recover—suggesting that enrollment trends can reverse.

Within computer science, some concentrations are bucking the decline. According to Research.com analysis, artificial intelligence and machine learning concentrations lead enrollment trends due to explosive growth in AI-driven applications.

1. Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning — Fastest growing concentration
2. Cybersecurity — Strong demand, clear certification paths
3. Cloud Computing — Enterprise digital transformation driving need
4. Data Engineering — Critical infrastructure for AI systems
5. DevOps/Site Reliability — Operational expertise remains in demand