Why a Computer Science Degree Might Not Guarantee You a Job in 2025
For years, a computer science degree was seen as a ticket to a stable and high-paying career. However, in 2025, that promise is fading fast. Fresh graduates are now facing higher unemployment rates than many other fields — and one of the biggest reasons is the rapid rise of artificial intelligence (AI).
Unemployment Rates on the Rise
A recent report by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York revealed that unemployment among new computer science graduates is between 6.1% and 7.5%. That’s more than double the jobless rate for graduates in fields like biology or art history. The findings are challenging the long-standing belief that computer science offers unmatched job security.
Real-Life Struggles of Fresh Graduates
The New York Times highlighted the stories of young graduates who, despite strong academic achievements, are struggling to land jobs:
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Manasi Mishra, 21, graduated from Purdue University expecting multiple job offers. Instead, she got just one interview — at Chipotle — and didn’t get the position.
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Zach Taylor, a 2023 Oregon State University graduate, sent out nearly 6,000 job applications for tech roles. He only received 13 interviews, and none led to an offer. Even McDonald’s turned him down for “lack of experience.”
Why Tech Jobs Are Drying Up
Several factors are shrinking opportunities for entry-level tech positions:
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AI programming tools are reducing the need for junior developers.
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Mass layoffs at tech giants like Amazon, Meta, and Microsoft have eliminated thousands of jobs.
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The so-called “AI doom loop” — job seekers use AI to mass-apply for roles, while companies use AI-powered systems to filter and reject applications in minutes.
Finding Opportunities in a Tough Market
While the job market is undeniably challenging, some graduates are finding ways to adapt. Mishra eventually landed a role through a cold application and by sharing her job-hunting journey on TikTok, where she connected with others facing similar struggles.
The message is clear: in 2025, a computer science degree alone isn’t enough. To stand out, graduates will need practical skills, networking strategies, and adaptability to navigate a tech job market transformed by AI.
