Computer Science Enrollment Drops for First Time in Two Decades, Coinciding with ChatGPT's Rise
A Stanford economist, Jacob Leicht, has found that computer science enrollment in U.S. universities experienced its first decline in approximately 20 years during the 2025-26 academic year. This downturn coincides with the rapid adoption of generative AI tools like ChatGPT, though Leicht cautions that the data does not prove AI caused the drop. Independent data from the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center shows an 8.1% year-over-year decline in undergraduate CS enrollment for fall 2025. The decline follows a decade of explosive growth, with CS bachelor's degrees more than doubling from 2014 to 2024. Possible explanations include changes in how AI affects coursework, shifting student expectations about CS career returns, broader tech labor market weakness, or other demand shifts. Leicht describes the enrollment patterns as 'descriptive evidence' rather than causal proof. Whether this is a temporary slowdown or a lasting shift in student attitudes remains uncertain.
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