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CS Graduates Facing Salary Compression, but Degrees Still Valuable

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  Published in Science and Technology on Monday, December 15th 2025 at 16:57 GMT by Forbes

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Computer‑Science Graduates Still Have a Long Way to Go — But Their Degrees Are Not “Trash” Yet

By Michael Collins (Forbes, Dec 15 2025)

In a sharply written feature that quickly became a go‑to resource for recent CS graduates, Collins paints a nuanced portrait of a cohort that has long been presumed to enjoy “dream” salaries. His piece, “Computer Science grads aren’t landing high‑paying jobs, but don’t trash those degrees yet,” debunks the myth that a CS major guarantees an instant, sky‑high paycheck. Instead, the article argues, the field is experiencing a painful adjustment period, driven by a combination of supply‑side glut, shifting industry priorities, and a re‑evaluation of what counts as “high‑paying.”

1. The Numbers Behind the Myth

Collins opens with a stark comparison of median starting salaries for CS graduates versus other STEM majors in 2024 and 2025. While a 2024 cohort earned an average first‑year salary of $68,000, a 2025 cohort’s median fell to $64,000— a 6 % drop that he attributes to “over‑saturation” and “cost‑curbing hiring practices.” He juxtaposes these figures with those for mechanical engineering ($74,000) and biology ($70,000), highlighting that CS has slipped from the top tier of “highest‑paying majors” to a more middle‑ground position.

The article cites a 2025 report from the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) that shows the CS cohort’s average starting salary fell to the 50th percentile among all majors, a dramatic shift from its previous 20th‑percentile standing in 2018. That same NACE survey noted an increase in “entry‑level CS positions that do not require a graduate degree,” a trend that has, according to Collins, created a “bracketing” effect where junior roles pay less and only a fraction of graduates get to enter those higher‑pay brackets.

2. What’s Driving the Salary Compression?

a. Supply Glut and the “Bootcamp” Effect

Collins argues that the rise of coding bootcamps, online micro‑credentials, and “self‑taught” pathways has flooded the labor market with a steady stream of individuals who can complete a few months of instruction and land a junior software role. The result? A larger applicant pool per opening and a downward pressure on wages.

He supports this claim with a link to a 2025 report from the Harvard Business Review, which details how “bootcamp grads” now outnumber traditional CS graduates in 68 % of major tech firms. These firms report that while bootcamp talent is often competent, the extra layers of experience and “soft‑skill” training that a four‑year degree provides are still valued— albeit at a lower premium than before.

b. Remote Work & Global Talent Pools

A second key driver is the continued expansion of remote work. Collins links to a 2025 MIT Sloan study that shows 72 % of global tech firms are offering “flexible remote” positions, with hiring spread across Eastern Europe, South America, and parts of Asia. The ability to tap into lower‑cost labor markets has contributed to a wage equalization that is, according to the study, “significantly flattening the compensation curves for junior developers worldwide.”

c. Shift in Tech Industry Priorities

The article also touches on the industry’s pivot toward low‑code/no‑code platforms and “AI‑assisted coding.” Collins notes that these tools are effectively automating many of the “core coding tasks” that were previously the bread‑and‑butter of junior CS roles. A link to a Forrester whitepaper on AI‑assisted development suggests that in the next five years, “90 % of routine coding tasks will be automated,” forcing companies to re‑price junior talent.

3. What Makes a CS Degree Still Valuable?

Despite the headline, Collins is emphatic that a CS degree remains a “powerful signal” to recruiters. The article draws on data from LinkedIn’s 2025 Talent Insights, indicating that CS graduates still receive higher interview pass rates (56 % vs. 47 % for other STEM majors). He explains that “companies use the CS credential as a proxy for problem‑solving ability and an appetite for continuous learning,” factors that remain highly coveted even in a saturated market.

Collins cites several industry leaders who underscore this point. He includes an interview with a senior VP at a Fortune‑500 fintech firm, who says, “We’re looking for depth and breadth— not just coding chops. A CS degree gives us a framework for evaluating that.” He also references a survey from Stack Overflow where 63 % of employers said “having a CS degree signals strong fundamentals.”

4. Practical Advice for Graduates

The bulk of the article is devoted to a “playbook” for CS grads who want to navigate the current landscape. Collins offers both “macro‑level” strategies (e.g., choosing majors that complement CS, like data science or cybersecurity) and micro‑level tactics (e.g., building a strong GitHub portfolio, participating in open‑source projects).

Key Recommendations:

Collins underscores that while a CS degree alone may not command the top salaries of 2025, combining it with these complementary approaches can lead to “first‑tier” roles that offer better pay and growth potential.

5. The Bigger Picture: Education Reform and Industry Partnerships

Near the end of the article, Collins speculates on a future where universities and industry align more closely. He references a 2025 initiative by the National Science Foundation that offers “industry‑backed accreditation” for CS curricula. The goal is to better match coursework with hiring needs, thereby improving graduate outcomes.

He also discusses the idea of “credential layering,” where students earn micro‑credentials during their degree that can be validated by employers. A link to the edX partnership with several tech giants illustrates how such credentials are already being used to filter candidates, ensuring that the “right” CS graduates are matched to the right roles.

6. Bottom Line

Collins’ article offers a sobering yet hopeful view. While the immediate post‑graduation experience for many CS majors may not involve the high‑paying dream jobs that were once assumed, the article stresses that the degree remains an important asset. It equips graduates with analytical rigor, a problem‑solving mindset, and a foundation that can be built upon in a shifting marketplace. The article’s central thesis— “don’t trash those degrees yet” — resonates with the larger narrative that CS education still provides a critical pathway, but one that requires proactive adaptation, strategic positioning, and a willingness to diversify skill sets.

For recent graduates, the takeaway is clear: embrace the fundamentals, diversify your portfolio, and actively seek out the niches that are still paying well. For employers, the message is that CS talent still exists in abundance— but it must be identified and cultivated properly to unlock its full potential.