AI and CS Degrees: Why Grads Struggle to Find Jobs in 2025

Why Your Computer Science Degree Might Not Land You a Job in 2025

The belief that computer science degrees guarantee stable, high-paying jobs is rapidly losing ground. New graduates are increasingly facing unemployment rates that surpass many other fields, largely thanks to the transformative impact of AI.

Higher Jobless Rates Compared to Other Majors
A recent study by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York reveals a concerning trend: unemployment among fresh computer science graduates ranges from 6.1% to 7.5%. This rate is more than double what graduates in fields like biology or art history are experiencing, starkly challenging the long-held perception of computer science as a secure career path.

Struggles in the Job Market
The New York Times recently highlighted individual stories of graduates who, despite strong academic credentials, have been unable to secure work:

* Manasi Mishra, 21, graduated from Purdue University expecting competitive offers but managed only one interview – at Chipotle – and did not receive the position.
* Zach Taylor, who graduated from Oregon State University in 2023, applied to nearly 6,000 technology roles. This immense effort resulted in just 13 interviews and no offers. He was even rejected by McDonald’s for “lack of experience.”

Contributing Factors to the Decline
Several significant developments are contributing to the scarcity of entry-level opportunities in the tech sector:

* AI programming tools have reduced the demand for junior coding positions, as artificial intelligence can now automate or assist with tasks previously performed by entry-level engineers.
* Workforce reductions at major technology firms such as Amazon, Meta, and Microsoft have cut thousands of jobs, flooding the market with experienced candidates and intensifying competition.
* The “AI doom loop” describes a paradoxical situation where applicants use AI to mass-apply for jobs, while employers use AI systems to filter and reject applications within minutes, creating a high-volume, low-conversion environment.

While the overall market remains challenging, some graduates are adapting and finding success through alternative approaches. Manasi Mishra, for example, eventually found a role after submitting a cold application and sharing her job search experiences on TikTok, where her candid posts resonated with many others in similar situations.