The number of computer science degrees awarded in the U.S. dropped by about 54,000 in 2025 [1].
This shift suggests a fundamental change in how students perceive the future of technology careers. As artificial intelligence evolves, the traditional path of computer science may be losing its appeal compared to more specialized technical fields.
Data from 97% of four-year colleges tracked by the National Student Clearinghouse show that computer science fell from the fourth-largest to the sixth-largest undergraduate major in 2025 [1]. This decline represents the largest one-year drop for any major discipline since at least 2020 [1].
"The drop of 54,000 degrees is the biggest one-year decline of any major discipline going back to at least 2020," the Washington Post said [1].
The downturn follows a period of rapid growth for the field. Four-year computer science degrees rose about fivefold from 2008 to 2024 [1]. However, recent trends indicate a migration of students toward data science, and engineering programs [1].
Analysts attribute this trend to "AI anxiety" and shifting perceptions of the job market [2, 3]. Students are increasingly opting for disciplines that they believe offer more stability, or relevance, in an AI-driven economy [2, 3].
"AI anxiety may be cooling demand for computer science degrees," the MSN editorial team said [2].
“The number of computer science degrees awarded in the U.S. dropped by about 54,000 in 2025.”
The sudden decline in computer science enrollments reflects a strategic pivot by students reacting to the generative AI boom. By moving toward data science and engineering, students are seeking roles that focus on the application and infrastructure of AI rather than the foundational software engineering tasks that are most susceptible to automation.
