There's Never Been a Better Time to Study Computer Science
The landscape of computer science education is shifting as AI technology advances, leading to a decline in undergraduate enrollment. Despite high unemployment rates for recent graduates, they still earn more than peers in other fields and have low underemployment rates. The need for skilled computer scientists remains, as AI tools require expertise to ensure reliable software development.
- ▪Undergraduate enrollment in computer science has dropped by over 8 percent, the largest decline among all majors.
- ▪New computer science graduates have a high unemployment rate but a relatively low rate of underemployment compared to other fields.
- ▪The rise of AI in programming has led to concerns about the future of entry-level coding jobs, yet demand for experienced engineers is increasing.
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TechnologyThere’s Never Been a Better Time to Study Computer ScienceEven as AI progresses, coders aren’t doomed.By Lila ShroffIllustration by The Atlantic. Source: Getty.May 23, 2026, 7:30 AM ET ShareSave It’s a weird time to be studying computer science. Recent grads have a higher unemployment rate than those in just about every other major—yes, even philosophy. The internet is littered with rants from newly minted programmers who can’t find work. On one such YouTube video, the top comment reads: “Your first mistake is not being born earlier.” Students, meanwhile, are fleeing the field. Undergraduate enrollment in computer science dipped by more than 8 percent last year, representing the largest absolute decline across any major in several years.
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