On a Friday afternoon on Cannon Green, a central lawn on Princeton University’s campus, the Class of 2028 gathered to mark a formal step in their academic journey. Departmental banners in orange and black lined the space, with food stalls and clusters of students moving between them. For many, Declaration Day was a moment of closure after two years of exploration. For the university, it also offered a clear picture of changing academic choices.
A shift away from computer science
This year’s declarations point to a noticeable change. Computer science, long one of the most sought-after fields, has seen a sharp decline. According to data by The Daily Princetonian, the number of students pursuing computer science dropped significantly across both Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science in Engineering tracks. The combined decline of 60 students over a year marks the steepest fall among all majors.The change does not exist in isolation. It mirrors a national mood where advances in artificial intelligence and an uncertain job market are reshaping how students think about the field. What once appeared as a stable and high-growth pathway is now being reassessed. At Princeton, that reassessment is visible in where students are going instead.
Where students are moving instead
Engineering disciplines have absorbed much of this shift. Electrical and computer engineering saw a strong rise, becoming one of the most popular choices. Mechanical and aerospace engineering also gained ground, along with mathematics. These fields offer technical depth but are perceived as less exposed to rapid disruption, according to the same data. The movement suggests that students are wanting to choose areas that feel more durable.Economics continues to hold its position as the most popular major, with over one in ten students choosing it. The School of Public and International Affairs has also grown. Molecular biology also recorded a sharp increase.
A mixed picture for humanities
The humanities present a mixed picture. While subjects like history and philosophy saw modest gains, others continue to contract. The French and Italian department, for instance, now has only one major in the Class of 2028, a steep fall over time.
How students arrived at these choices
Student experiences behind these numbers suggest that decisions are shaped less by fixed plans and more by exposure over time. Many students arrived with one intention and left with another. Some moved away from lab-based sciences towards fields like anthropology. Others shifted within engineering after informal conversations or coursework experiences. In several cases, interests developed gradually rather than through a single defining moment.There is also a practical layer to these choices. Students are weighing interest against long-term outcomes. Fields described as interdisciplinary or flexible appear to hold appeal because they allow movement across domains. This is visible in the rise of majors that combine technical, economic and policy elements.
More than a moment of celebration
Declaration Day itself shows this mix of certainty and hesitation. For some, it marks a long-anticipated decision. For others, it feels more procedural. The event brings together students who are confident in their direction and those who are still testing it.What stands out is not just the decline of one major, but the pattern it reveals. Computer science is no longer the default option for students seeking security. Instead, Princeton’s Class of 2028 is distributing itself across a wider set of fields, balancing interest, adaptability and perceived risk.