Harvard: AI and the Decline in Computer Science Enrollments

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Key Takeaways

1David J. Malan from Harvard emphasizes that AI has intensified a decline in computer science enrollments that was already underway.

2Computer science enrollments dropped by 8.1% at U.S. universities in 2025, according to the National Student Clearinghouse.

3Major tech companies are reducing their presence on campuses, limiting opportunities for computer science students.

💡Why it matters — The decline in enrollments and recruitment could impact the future of technological innovation and the training of talent in computer science.

A Decline Already Underway Before the Rise of AI

David J. Malan, a computer science professor at Harvard, recently expressed his concerns regarding the decline in computer science enrollments. According to him, while artificial intelligence has certainly exacerbated this trend, it is not the primary cause. Malan, who also oversees a highly popular online course, emphasized that the decrease in technological opportunities has contributed to this situation.

In an interview with podcaster Ryan Petterman, Malan explained that interest in computer science was already declining before the emergence of chatbots like OpenAI's ChatGPT. He clarified that although AI has an impact, other factors were already at play. "This has been preceded, I think, over the last few years, by a decrease in tech offerings," he stated. Malan asserted that it "seems absolutely clear" that AI is harming interest in computer science.

A Changing Job Market

In addition to the declining interest from students, Malan noted that some tech companies are less inclined to send recruiters to college campuses. This reluctance is explained by the fact that there are fewer entry-level positions available. "We have seen this in the campus recruiting pipeline, where there were simply fewer opportunities," he observed. Major tech companies hesitate to travel if they do not have positions to offer.

Fluctuations in Interest in Computer Science

Malan predicted that interest in computer science will continue to fluctuate, following a pattern of natural oscillations. He mentioned the need to achieve a healthier balance in the perception of technology, where true value is recognized beyond immediate opportunities. "I think what we are going to see, if we extrapolate, is that there will be these ebbs and flows over the years," he stated. Malan added that these fluctuations will likely continue until a "healthier means" is reached in the discourse surrounding technology.

Recent Enrollment Figures

Recent data from the National Student Clearinghouse reveals an 8.1% decline in computer science enrollments at four-year U.S. universities for the fall of 2025. The Washington Post described this drop as "the largest annual decrease across all major disciplines since at least 2020." This decline is concerning for the future of the discipline.

The Future of Computer Science in Debate

The future of computer science has become a topic of debate among AI and technology experts. Figures like Bret Taylor, president of OpenAI, and Geoffrey Hinton, Nobel laureate, continue to see value in computer science, provided that the focus is on broader skills beyond mere programming.

Malan, known for his popular CS50 course, insists on the importance of problem-solving, an essential skill that transcends disciplines and remains relevant, whether one pursues a career in computer science or elsewhere. "The goal of so many of these courses has been to improve problem-solving," he asserted, emphasizing that this skill is crucial in all fields.