AI threatens entry-level programming jobs, leading to sharp decline in computer science enrollments in U.S. universities

According to Bloomberg, U.S. universities saw a significant drop in enrollment for computer and information science programs this fall, with undergraduate applications falling by over 12% and graduate applications dropping by more than 10%. This marks a continuation of a declining trend from last year, reversing years of growth in computer science admissions. The decline is attributed to the rise of artificial intelligence, which has led to the reduction of many entry-level programming jobs, increasing the difficulty of finding employment for computer science graduates. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics noted that computer and math-related roles are most affected by AI. Matthew Holsapple, senior director of research at the National Student Clearinghouse, stated that computer science was once one of the fastest-growing fields in higher education, but the current decline is alarming. While overall undergraduate enrollment in U.S. universities rose slightly by 0.6%, graduate enrollment fell by 1.6%, with master’s programs dropping by 3.7%. International student enrollment, a key focus of former President Donald Trump’s immigration policies, also declined by 17% in fall 2025. Community colleges, however, saw a small increase in undergraduate enrollment, with a 1.2% rise. Holsapple emphasized that affordability is a major factor influencing students’ choices.