Marketplace Tech Fewer students are enrolling in computer science classes and majors
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Feb 17, 2026 Kari George, Senior Research Associate at the Computing Research Association, provides data-driven analysis of computing enrollment trends. She explores which subfields are rising and falling. She discusses shifts toward applied AI, data science and computer engineering. She covers the role of AI headlines, international student declines, and how curricular changes respond to labor market signals.
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Shift Toward Specialized Computing Degrees
- Enrollment in computer and information science fell at both undergrad and grad levels for the first time since 2020.
- Kari George links the shift to students favoring specialized, applied computing fields like AI, cybersecurity, and data science.
AI Fears Affect Major Choices
- Students express concern that AI could reduce future software engineering jobs and watch headlines closely.
- Kari George says that perceived job difficulty for recent grads is influencing enrollment choices.
International Students Decline Hurts Numbers
- Declines in international student enrollment contributed to overall drops, especially at the graduate level.
- Kari George notes visa delays and immigration policy changes as factors seen by department respondents.