Computer Science Graduates Face Sharp Decline in US Entry-Level Hiring
Computer science graduates are experiencing one of the sharpest declines in US graduate hiring, according to a new Forbes report based on LinkedIn data. Employers are increasingly looking for professionals with transferable skills that can adapt to different industries. As a result, many recent graduates are finding it harder to secure entry-level jobs.
The report shows that hiring for recent college graduates has dropped 20% compared with pre-pandemic levels. In addition, entry-level recruitment declined 5% from a year earlier, reflecting a slower job market for new graduates across multiple fields.
Engineering and Computer Science See Biggest Declines
Engineering graduates experienced the largest drop in entry-level hiring. According to LinkedIn data cited by Forbes, recruitment in the field fell 25% between December 2019 and April 2026.
Computer and information sciences followed closely, with hiring declining 24%. Interdisciplinary studies recorded the same decrease. These figures suggest that employers are becoming more selective as technology continues to reshape workplace demands.
Experts say many companies now value practical skills that employees can apply across different roles. Therefore, graduates with strong communication, problem-solving, and analytical abilities may have an advantage in today’s competitive job market.
Other Majors Also Feel the Impact
The slowdown extends beyond technical fields. Business and marketing graduates, who make up the largest share of recent graduates on LinkedIn at 24.3%, also saw entry-level hiring decline by 23%.
Communication and journalism graduates experienced the same 23% drop. Likewise, hiring fell by 23% for graduates in physical sciences and visual and performing arts.
The findings highlight the changing nature of graduate recruitment in the United States. Employers are focusing more on adaptable talent and practical experience alongside academic qualifications. As the job market evolves, graduates may need to strengthen technical expertise, develop transferable skills, and gain hands-on experience through internships or professional projects to improve their employment prospects.
