Is Computer Science a Dead Major? Not So Fast.

With Computer Science enrollment falling and artificial intelligence reshaping the workforce, is one of the most popular college majors still a smart choice?

For years, Computer Science was one of the majors we could discuss with families with considerable confidence. Students who enjoyed math and technology had a field offering strong salaries and promising career opportunities.

That conversation has become more complicated.

Artificial intelligence can now write code, identify programming errors, and perform tasks traditionally assigned to junior software developers. With entry-level technology jobs becoming more competitive, some parents are understandably questioning whether a Computer Science degree is still worth pursuing.

According to preliminary data released by the National Student Clearinghouse on October 29, 2026, enrollment in Computer and Information Sciences declined 12.4% at four-year institutions compared with the previous fall. Overall undergraduate enrollment, meanwhile, increased just 0.6%.

These figures are preliminary and don't tell us why students are choosing different majors. Still, the double-digit decline is striking.

After more than 20 years advising college-bound students at The College Planning Center, I've become increasingly concerned about how quickly we expect teenagers to choose a direction, often before they've had meaningful opportunities to discover their interests and strengths. Now we're asking them to make those decisions in a job market that's changing faster than ever.

I've learned to be cautious about declaring any particular major the next guaranteed path to success. We've seen fields rise in popularity as industries expand, only to face changing employment conditions by the time students graduate.

Computer Science is now confronting that reality.

The Problem Isn't Computer Science. It's What We Expect From the Degree.

Families have long associated Computer Science with a secure, well-paying career. But learning to write code and understanding Computer Science are not the same thing.

A rigorous Computer Science education includes algorithms, mathematics, computational theory, cybersecurity, and systems design. AI may generate code, but we still need people who understand what that code should accomplish, whether it is reliable, and how it fits into a larger system.

What concerns me more is the changing pathway into the profession. If AI can perform routine programming tasks traditionally assigned to new developers, how will graduates gain the experience needed to advance?

A Computer Science degree remains valuable, but it should no longer be viewed as an automatic ticket to a high-paying technology job.

Why Mechanical Engineering Deserves a Closer Look

As families reconsider technology-related majors, Mechanical Engineering deserves a closer look. From robotics and aerospace to medical devices and advanced manufacturing, the field increasingly intersects with computing and AI.

Consider an autonomous drone. Its software matters, but so do its mechanical design, propulsion system, and sensors. Developing that technology requires expertise across several engineering disciplines.

But this doesn't make Mechanical Engineering the new safe major. It makes it another option worth exploring, depending upon a student's interests and strengths. A student who loves programming may have little interest in mechanical systems, while another who enjoys building things might thrive in engineering. For students interested in both, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or robotics may offer compelling alternatives.

What Are Colleges Doing Differently?

Some universities are already adapting their undergraduate programs to reflect the growing role of AI. Carnegie Mellon offers a dedicated Artificial Intelligence major, MIT combines computing, engineering, and statistics in its Artificial Intelligence and Decision Making major, and UC San Diego introduced an undergraduate AI major in 2025.

While these are highly selective universities, they illustrate why families should look beyond rankings and evaluate how well a college's curriculum incorporates emerging technologies, interdisciplinary learning, and hands-on experience. A strong program at a less selective university may ultimately be a better fit for an individual student.

Before Choosing a Major, Give Students Something to Explore

A student might say they want to study Computer Science because they enjoy technology. But do they love programming, building robots, or using technology to solve real-world problems?

Those distinctions aren't always discovered in a classroom.

That's one reason we introduced the Signature Project program at The College Planning Center. Students take an interest and turn it into something tangible, such as developing a product, designing a solution, or organizing an initiative–that addresses a real need.

Along the way, they discover what motivates them, where their strengths lie, and what challenges they enjoy. The value goes beyond strengthening a college application.

I'd much rather see a student discover during high school that engineering isn't what they expected than make that discovery two years into an expensive college education.

Preparing Students for a Future We Can't Predict

Would I still recommend Computer Science? Absolutely, for a student who genuinely enjoys the field. But I would investigate college programs more carefully and encourage students to explore related disciplines.

We can't predict what the technology job market will look like when today's high school students graduate from college. AI will continue reshaping how people work, and careers may look very different from those available today.

I often remind families that college admission is not the destination. What students learn, the experiences they pursue, and the direction they develop will matter far more than simply getting into a particular university or declaring a major.

Rather than asking which major is safest, I would encourage parents to ask this: What education will prepare my student not just for their first job but for the career changes that will inevitably follow?

The goal isn't to predict the future. It's to prepare students with the confidence, skills, and a sense of direction to adapt to a changing world.

About the author: Lynette Mathews is the Founder and CEO of The College Planning Center, an independent college advising organization established in 2005. With more than 20 years of experience helping students and families navigate the college planning process, she advocates for an approach that goes beyond college admission to focus on self-discovery, academic fit, and long-term career direction. Through personalized college advising and programs such as the Signature Project, The College Planning Center helps students develop their interests, build meaningful experiences, and prepare for success beyond admission.