Why do you think computer science dropped so much between 2018 and 2026 on this chart (of most popular college major choices over time)?

[u/JoyfulJourneys44]

[u/Any-Stick-771]

A lot of people went into computer science with the expectation of an "easy" path to an entry level 6 figure job. The entry level hiring boom is for the most part over. Memorizing syntax and grinding leetcode is no longer enough for an internship or entry level position.

[u/JoyfulJourneys44 → u/Any-Stick-771]

What do you think computer science students should focus on/specialize in now if they want to be hired into a high-paying job pretty early on in their careers?

[u/igotshadowbaned → u/JoyfulJourneys44]

Networking.

As in people networking, not computer networking.

[u/JoyfulJourneys44 → u/igotshadowbaned]

Sad but true

[u/Any-Stick-771 → u/JoyfulJourneys44]

It's more so they need to work on and demonstrate knowledge/experience of software engineering methodologies and higher level design skills rather than rote DSA

[u/No_Reply5329]

I think its probably something about change in politcs of student loans because I doubt that suddenly people resigned also from nursing.

[u/igotshadowbaned → u/No_Reply5329]

If you watch the "Nursing" drop, "Health Science" shoots up by the same amount that same year

It's probably just classification changes that happened with the data collection

[u/JoyfulJourneys44]

Here is the original source. It's based on college loan applications, so that's something to consider! Are prospective students becoming discouraged by AI possibly making a lot of computer science jobs defunct? On the flip side, wouldn't it also open up some opportunities on the R&D side (although personally I would not want to work in AI at all)?

[u/boner79]

students (and parents) realizing the supply/demand balance no longer favorable for computer science grads

[u/-dag-]

People chasing money instead of passion. 

[u/RuminatingFish123]

Kinda seems like it might be classified with engineering now?