Hidden Crisis: Computer Science Graduates Battle One of the Highest Jobless Rates
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For years, computer science has been considered one of the most valuable and in-demand degrees. Parents encouraged their children to pursue coding, students flocked to programming bootcamps, and universities saw record enrollments. Yet, in 2025, the reality paints a different picture. According to data from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, 6.1% of computer science graduates are unemployed, ranking the major seventh among college degrees with the highest unemployment rates.
This figure places computer science just behind physics (7.8%) and anthropology (9.4%), while computer engineering, often closely related to computer science, has an even higher unemployment rate of 7.5%. The findings challenge the long-standing perception that a computer science degree guarantees a high-paying job right after graduation.
As Michael Ryan, a finance expert, explained, the job market has become oversaturated. “Every kid with a laptop thinks they’re the next Zuckerberg, but most can’t debug their way out of a paper bag. We created a gold rush mentality around coding right as the gold ran out.”
The oversupply of computer science graduates, paired with shrinking demand, has created what many call a classic case of supply and demand imbalance.
This makes it difficult for new graduates to get their foot in the door, regardless of their technical skills. The result is a generation of students who invested years in coding degrees, only to find that the job market is not ready to absorb them.
This suggests that fields outside of the digital economy, particularly those related to infrastructure, healthcare, and physical sciences, are offering more stability and job security than technology-related degrees. While computer science remains a respected field, its immediate value in the job market has diminished compared to more traditional sectors.
Within Gen Z households, unemployment rose by 32% year over year in February. These figures highlight that while the overall job market may be tightening, tech graduates are disproportionately affected.
Experts recommend that students consider diversifying their skills, exploring industries that integrate technology with other fields, and being open to opportunities in sectors like healthcare, construction, or applied sciences where demand remains strong.
This figure places computer science just behind physics (7.8%) and anthropology (9.4%), while computer engineering, often closely related to computer science, has an even higher unemployment rate of 7.5%. The findings challenge the long-standing perception that a computer science degree guarantees a high-paying job right after graduation.
Tech Industry Slowdown Hits New Grads
The shift is linked to the slowdown in the tech industry. During the COVID-19 pandemic, technology hiring soared. Companies scrambled to expand digital infrastructure, and coding skills became the golden ticket to a promising career. Fast-forward to 2025, and the picture looks very different. Tech giants like Amazon and Google have cut jobs to increase profits, while other firms have scaled back engineering budgets by as much as 40%.As Michael Ryan, a finance expert, explained, the job market has become oversaturated. “Every kid with a laptop thinks they’re the next Zuckerberg, but most can’t debug their way out of a paper bag. We created a gold rush mentality around coding right as the gold ran out.”
The oversupply of computer science graduates, paired with shrinking demand, has created what many call a classic case of supply and demand imbalance.
Entry-Level Roles Are Disappearing
One of the biggest challenges for recent computer science graduates is the decline of entry-level opportunities. HR consultant Bryan Driscoll pointed out that the hiring pipeline in tech has become both exploitative and restrictive. Entry-level positions are fewer than ever, unpaid internships remain common, and many roles are being automated or outsourced overseas.This makes it difficult for new graduates to get their foot in the door, regardless of their technical skills. The result is a generation of students who invested years in coding degrees, only to find that the job market is not ready to absorb them.
Best College Majors for Employment in 2025
Interestingly, the degrees showing the lowest unemployment rates in 2025 are not tech-related. Majors such as nutrition sciences, construction services, and civil engineering have unemployment rates ranging from just 1% to as low as 0.4%.This suggests that fields outside of the digital economy, particularly those related to infrastructure, healthcare, and physical sciences, are offering more stability and job security than technology-related degrees. While computer science remains a respected field, its immediate value in the job market has diminished compared to more traditional sectors.
Rising Unemployment Among Gen Z Graduates
The struggles of computer science graduates are part of a broader trend affecting recent college graduates across multiple fields. Federal Reserve Bank of New York data shows that the unemployment rate for recent graduates rose to 5.8% in March 2025, up from 4.6% the year before.Within Gen Z households, unemployment rose by 32% year over year in February. These figures highlight that while the overall job market may be tightening, tech graduates are disproportionately affected.
Looking Ahead
The rising unemployment rate among computer science graduates serves as a reminder that career planning must go beyond market trends and hype. While coding skills remain important, oversaturation and shrinking demand mean that not every graduate will land a role in Silicon Valley.Experts recommend that students consider diversifying their skills, exploring industries that integrate technology with other fields, and being open to opportunities in sectors like healthcare, construction, or applied sciences where demand remains strong.
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