Degrees Without Jobs: Why Computer Science Graduates Struggle to Find Jobs in the AI Era

Since childhood, Abraham Rubio dreamed of becoming a software engineer. Growing up, he spent hours tinkering with Minecraft mods, fascinated by the idea of customizing virtual worlds. Eventually, he wanted more than just exploring—he wanted to create his own.

That passion drove him to pursue computer science and game programming at Bloomfield College of Montclair State University in New Jersey. In May, he graduated with optimism and ambition.

But breaking into the job market has been tougher than expected. Rubio has applied to more than 20 software development roles since graduation. Not one has materialized into an offer.

“I go on LinkedIn almost every day, scrolling, searching for opportunities,” he said. “I haven’t really heard back from most companies.”

The Vanishing Promise of Tech Jobs

For years, a computer science degree was considered a golden ticket into Silicon Valley and beyond. Whether through a four-year degree or a coding bootcamp, the promise of a well-paying, stable career in tech drew thousands of students.

Now, that promise feels less certain.

• According to Oxford Economics, employment for recent graduates in computer science and math-related jobs has fallen by 8% since 2022.
• Job postings for software development roles on Indeed have dropped 71% between February 2022 and August 2025, based on data from the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis.

At the same time, the rise of artificial intelligence has disrupted the industry. AI is both exciting and threatening—offering new opportunities while also automating entry-level coding tasks once handled by junior developers.

Read More: Artificial Intelligence VS Computer Science: Which One Is Best For You?

The Shrinking Entry-Level Tech Job Market (2022–2025)

Grads Caught Between Opportunity and Automation

The contradiction is striking: while tech giants hit record valuations, their headcounts are shrinking.

• Microsoft became the world’s second company to hit a $4 trillion valuation in 2025, but also laid off 9,000 employees in its third round of cuts.

• CEO Satya Nadella revealed that AI now writes 30% of Microsoft’s code, cutting the need for some entry-level staff.

• Similar patterns are playing out at Google, Meta, and Amazon, where automation is streamlining operations.

Julio Rodriguez, a data engineer who graduated last year, said he sent out more than 150 applications before finally landing a role. “The job market makes it feel almost impossible,” he said. “And even after getting a job, you’re scared of layoffs.”

Others, like Nick Vinokour, had offers rescinded at the last minute. After securing a role at Scale AI, he was told the job was canceled amid restructuring after Meta’s $14.3 billion investment. “It feels like I’m competing with AI just to get my foot in the door,” he said.

Social Media Frustrations: TikTok Voices

The struggles of computer science grads have spilled onto TikTok, where users share experiences under hashtags like #TechLayoffs, #CSGradLife, and #JobSearchStruggles.

One creator, Lili (@queenofslack), posted about her fruitless job hunt, warning others not to major in computer science if they’re only chasing money. “The investment and difficulty aren’t worth the instability,” she said.

Her video gained 250+ comments, with dozens of fellow grads expressing similar disillusionment.

The Numbers: CS Grads vs. Other Fields

Data from the New York Fed highlights how grim the situation has become:

• Unemployment rate for CS graduates: 6.1%

• Unemployment rate for computer engineering grads: 7.5%

• By contrast:

  • Art history grads: 3%

  • English majors: 4.9%

  • Performing arts: 2.7%

In other words, tech graduates are now facing higher unemployment than many liberal arts majors — a stunning reversal from the boom years.

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Educators Respond: Teaching for the AI Era

Universities and bootcamps are pivoting fast.

At the University of Washington, director Magdalena Balazinska said the school is adding a new AI-assisted software development course to train students in using tools like Copilot while still building foundational skills.

“Every role is disrupted,” said Daniele Grassi, CEO of General Assembly. His coding bootcamp now attracts not just aspiring engineers but also executives and HR managers seeking AI literacy.

“We realized that every role now has an AI element,” added Jeffrey Bergin, General Assembly’s chief learning officer.

Employers’ Perspective: Skills Still Matter

Industry leaders argue that computer science remains valuable — if students adapt.

“Computer science is more than code. It’s about understanding systems and critical thinking,” said Deepak Singh, VP at Amazon Web Services.

Veteran software engineer David Barajas put it bluntly:

“AI won’t replace you as an engineer. An engineer with AI will replace you.”

Read More: Computer Science is dying

The Future of Work for CS Grads

The outlook for computer science graduates is challenging, but not hopeless. The tech industry is undergoing a paradigm shift, where jobs will demand AI skills, adaptability, and creativity.

Grads who embrace AI as a tool, rather than fear it as competition, may still find opportunities in:

• AI ethics and governance

• Cybersecurity

• Data science

• AI-assisted development

• Tech policy and infrastructure

But for now, as Abraham Rubio summed up, “It feels like I’m competing with AI to just get my foot in the door.”