Is Computer Science Really Worth it in 2026?
By: Varsha Kumar
If you were ever in the realm of the online world, you know the running gag, the computer science market is “so cooked,” and there are stereotypes of computer science students being homeless (which, well, is partially true). But is computer science worth majoring in in 2026? Well, there are a few things to consider.
- It’s Competitive.
Because of its now new-found popularity, computer science is now more ultra-competitive than ever before. However, that doesn’t mean you won't be able to find a good job after graduation. In addition to academics, students need to seek out internships and participate in hackathons, which require a significant amount of effort. In fact, HackUnited has a hackathon in a few days that is easy, remote, and accessible to many!
- You Need to Specialize.
The most popular job, software engineer, is officially overrated. It seems like every “techfluencer” has one, but in a field as competitive and innovative as computer science, it is important to specialize to stand out. You can specialize in AI, cybersecurity, etc., which are all growing fields needing more people. And a good computer science student must always learn. The curriculum in some universities might be outdated, so it’s important for many to set themselves out there to always learn.
- You Need to Know AI.
AI is revolutionizing the computer science industry. Is it true that AI can write code for you? Yes! But in 2026, they did not reach a level that could replace one impressive software engineer. While it means that entry-level roles are harder to access than before and many companies are exploiting this to have senior-level roles work at entry-level pay, it is still important to understand AI. AI is inevitable, but there is a lot of value when used correctly.