I've loved programming since I was eight. I've solved roughly 500 algorithm problems, built several projects, and was planning to study computer science because I genuinely enjoy it. Lately, though, I've become worried about the job market and the possibility of graduating unemployed, especially if I take on six-figure student debt. I'm happy to keep coding, building projects, and practicing algorithms even outside of school, but I'm wondering whether I should choose a more stable degree that's still related to technology. I've considered engineering, accounting, nursing, trades, IT, or other adjacent fields. If you were in my position, would you still pursue CS? Is the field genuinely too risky, or does online discussion make things look worse than they are?
4 Answers
There are reasonable paths adjacent to CS, including IT, DevOps, controls engineering, embedded systems, and engineering with a CS minor or double major. Just don’t choose one solely because it sounds safer. If AI ever replaces most software work, many other knowledge-based careers would face similar disruption. Pick work you can tolerate and become genuinely good at it, while keeping your education financially manageable.
The market is difficult for new graduates, but companies still hire capable juniors. Networking, internships, data structures, system design, and a portfolio can make a major difference. Research employment outcomes in the area where you want to live instead of treating online anecdotes as universal. You may also need to be flexible about location and your first job.
The biggest risk may be taking on six-figure debt rather than studying CS itself. Look at state universities, community colleges, scholarships, transfer routes, or low-cost programs with real employer connections. Your existing experience gives you a head start, but avoid assuming that a prestigious or expensive school is automatically necessary.
You sound like someone who actually belongs in computer science, but the financial side matters more than the title of the degree. The entry-level market is competitive, so learn the fundamentals, build useful projects, and get comfortable using AI tools without relying on them to do your thinking. Strong programming and computer science knowledge will matter much more than prompt-writing alone.
That makes sense. I’m more worried about committing to expensive tuition than about the work itself, so I’ll focus on finding an affordable path.
Exactly. Even if software hiring were as strong as it used to be, I wouldn’t recommend borrowing that much for almost any undergraduate degree. Keep building real projects, document your work, and meet developers in person if possible.