Computer science has long been considered a gateway to high-paying jobs and stable careers. However, recent data from the United States suggests a more sobering reality: many graduates are finding it difficult to land jobs in the field.
According to a report by Newsweek, citing data from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, computer science currently holds the seventh-highest unemployment rate among college majors, at 6.1%. This places it just behind disciplines like physics (7.8%) and anthropology (9.4%).
Related fields such as computer engineering are also struggling, with an unemployment rate of 7.5%, raising concerns about the actual demand for tech graduates in the current job market.
In contrast, majors like nutrition sciences, construction services, and civil engineering boast significantly lower unemployment rates—some as low as 0.4%.
The report also notes a broader trend: unemployment among recent graduates is rising. As of February, Gen Z households receiving unemployment benefits had increased by 32% year-over-year.
HR consultant Bryan Driscoll told Newsweek that many students are led to believe a computer science degree is a guaranteed ticket to success. In reality, stiff competition, limited job openings, and mounting student debt are common hurdles. He added that employers often place more emphasis on a candidate’s background or alma mater than on their actual skillset.
These findings underscore the growing disconnect between the perceived value of certain degrees and real-world job outcomes, signaling a need for more realistic career counseling and updated guidance in today’s shifting employment landscape.
