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.
Computer science enrollment declined for the first time in approximately two decades during the 2025-26 academic year, according to Stanford economist Jacob Light. This trend occurred alongside the rapid adoption of generative AI, although the study does not attribute the decline directly to AI. While enrollment decreased, it still remains higher than levels seen in 2022.
- 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.
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