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Computer science graduates face 6.1% unemployment in 2025, nearly double that of philosophy majors, despite commanding the highest starting salaries at $80,000. The crisis stems from three converging factors: AI adoption reducing hiring demand, over 100,000 tech layoffs creating market saturation, and universities doubling CS enrollment from 51,696 to 112,720 graduates between 2013-2023. Even elite MIT and Stanford graduates struggle, with employment at major tech companies dropping from 25% to 11-12%. Companies simultaneously conduct layoffs while importing H-1B workers, creating a paradox where they claim talent shortages while rejecting new graduates. The market is shifting toward specialized skills in cloud computing, cybersecurity, and data engineering, with employers increasingly favoring practical experience over degrees.

Computer Science Graduates Face Worst Job Market in Decades

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This isn’t about Computer Science or anything like that. This is about graduates thinking, they did a lot, when in fact they barely did anything. The real experience comes from the job. All you learn during such courses are how to sit down, be punctual and learn theoretical concepts. The most important information is the one you get in real-life jobs.
With AI, this truth, which was always there, is even more emphasised. People have relied too much on degrees in the past, for no other reason, than belief, that it’s supposedly important.
You really need to at least build a portfolio during studies or work part time at a company to put your money where your mouth is. Only finishing a degree nowadays, is not enough. Especially, since they’ve been watered down over decades, anyway.

This serves as a poignant reminder that no career is “safe” and commands identity, because we see how fast the computer science job market can change through the intersection of economy, education, and technology.
Sure, the numbers are alarming, but the takeaway for students and new graduates is, degrees cannot cut it alone anymore. Portfolios, project experience, and skills in specialized areas (AI, cybersecurity, cloud, data engineering) will determine who will stand out.

would it help to fully revamp the education system with regards to CS and SE? E.g. where the focus should be way more practical and have people interning and boot camping as early as their first year. Maybe have like ‘100 approved projects’ requirement for graduation.

Tough reality. The degree alone isn’t enough anymore. The market is rewarding specialization and hands-on skills over just credentials. What’s ironic is the “talent shortage” narrative existing alongside layoffs and rising unemployment. Maybe the real gap is between generalist graduates and the specific roles companies are hiring for. Curious to see if universities will adapt faster, or if grads will have to bridge that gap on their own through projects and certifications.