Surprising Unemployment Trends Show Computer Engineering Graduates Struggling More Than Art History Majors
Recent data from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York has revealed an unexpected trend in graduate employment outcomes: students majoring in computer engineering are currently experiencing higher unemployment rates than those who pursued degrees in art history. According to the report, computer engineering graduates face a 7.5 percent unemployment rate, while their art history counterparts are seeing just 3 percent.
The findings challenge the widespread belief that STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields automatically lead to better job prospects. In fact, the data indicates that several STEM majors are facing similarly high unemployment levels. For example, computer science graduates currently have a 6.1 percent unemployment rate. Other majors, such as graphic design (7.2 percent), chemistry (6.1 percent), and fine arts (7.1 percent), are in the same range. Physics graduates are experiencing an even higher unemployment rate at 7.8 percent, and sociology graduates are not far behind at 6.7 percent.
Anthropology has the highest unemployment rate listed in the report at 9.4 percent, while the lowest rate goes to nutritional sciences, at just 0.4 percent.
To understand what might be driving this trend, The College Fix spoke with economist Mark Perry, an emeritus professor at the University of Michigan–Flint. Perry suggested that part of the issue may be the growing competition computer science and engineering graduates face in today’s workforce. Many employers are open to hiring workers who may not hold a four-year degree but have gained valuable technical experience through alternative routes, such as bootcamps, certifications, or two-year programs.
“There’s increasing competition from individuals without traditional degrees who may still be highly skilled and work-ready,” Perry explained. “That puts pressure on recent graduates who may have strong theoretical knowledge but lack the practical experience or credentials that employers are demanding.”
The complexity of the tech job market may also be a factor. Many companies today are seeking highly specific skill sets and experience, which new graduates may not yet possess. Alex Beene, a financial literacy instructor at the University of Tennessee at Martin, echoed this idea in an interview with Newsweek. He noted that although computer science has been widely promoted as a promising field, not every graduate is guaranteed success.
“There’s been such a strong push to steer students toward fields like computer science, but the market has become oversaturated in some ways,” Beene said. “More graduates doesn’t necessarily equal more talent. Employers want to see a proven track record, and in this environment, they’re being more selective.”
He added that broader economic conditions may also be playing a role. With some companies scaling back or freezing hiring, even highly qualified candidates are facing an uphill battle.
Still, Perry clarified that not all STEM disciplines are experiencing the same challenges. Most engineering fields, such as civil, mechanical, aerospace, and electrical engineering, are seeing significantly lower unemployment rates—many below 2.4 percent. Industrial engineering is the exception, with a rate of 4.6 percent.
“These engineering fields also tend to have high salaries and low underemployment rates, meaning graduates are generally working in jobs that match their education level,” Perry said.
The discussion also touched on how liberal arts majors, like those in art history, may be more adaptable in the current job market. Nicole Smith, a professor and chief economist at Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce, argued that the broad skill sets liberal arts students develop can make them attractive in a wider range of roles and industries.
“Liberal arts graduates often have flexibility in how they market themselves,” Smith said. “They’re not boxed into one career path. Their communication, analytical, and critical thinking skills are transferable across many sectors.”
In contrast, some STEM graduates may find their skills are highly specialized, which can be a barrier if they don’t find the right opportunity immediately after graduation. Smith emphasized that while technical expertise is valuable, it must be paired with the ability to adapt and translate those skills to real-world business challenges.
It’s also worth noting that the data being referenced in the report comes from 2023 and was published in the Federal Reserve Bank’s 2025 summary. Perry pointed out that labor market dynamics are constantly shifting, and these figures could look very different when the next update arrives in 2026.
“There’s always movement in the job market,” he said. “What we’re seeing today may not be the case next year. It’s important to view this data as a snapshot in time, not a permanent forecast.”
Ultimately, the findings highlight the importance of looking beyond degree titles when assessing career readiness. While some majors traditionally considered “safe bets” may face headwinds, others often dismissed as less practical might offer more flexibility than previously thought. The real difference may lie not just in what a student majors in, but how they apply those skills, what credentials they acquire along the way, and how prepared they are to compete in a fast-changing job market.