tech
Computer science enrollment fell for the first time in 20 years after ChatGPT's rise, a Stanford economist says
A Stanford economist says AI may be reshaping students' choices as computer science enrollment slows.
TL;DR
- Computer science enrollment share declined in the 2025-26 academic year, marking the first decrease in roughly two decades.
- This decline coincides with the rapid adoption of generative AI tools like ChatGPT.
- Data from the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center showed an 8.1% year-over-year drop in undergraduate enrollment in Computer and Information Sciences at four-year colleges in Fall 2025.
- Economist Jacob Light cautions that the data does not prove AI caused the enrollment decline, offering multiple potential explanations.
- Despite the recent fall, enrollment levels in Fall 2025 remained above those in 2022.