PC World is reporting that colleges that offer undergraduate computer science programs may be hit with a record in terms of the number of student applications this fall.

What's the reason? Hopeful candidates are being lured by bountiful jobs, and cool role models, such as Mark Zuckerberg and Steve Jobs. Not only that, but the promise of a six-figure entry-level salary helps with the draw. The record number of applications is expected to even exceed the craze about a decade ago during the dot com explosion.

With an unemployment rate hovering around nine percent and a practically stagnant economy, there seems to be jobs (and hiring) in the computer science sector however. Most computer science students end up keeping their major throughout their four year undergraduate college period. reports PC World.



Carnegie Mellon School of Computer Science, considered an elite school by U.S. News & World Report, is expecting to receive 4,000 applications this year, which is up by the 500 applications from last year. Still, only 400 lucky students out of the 4,000 applications will be accepted. It notable to report that 100 percent of Carnegie Mellon computer science graduates were placed last year. Another university, Stanford, has seen an increase of 83 percent in its computer science majors.



Universities are reporting that computer science graduates are seeing near 100 percent employment with attractive offers, including six-figure starting salaries, signing bonuses, and stock options. Graduates are also enjoying multiple offers, enabling them to choice the best fit.



While the movie "The Social Network", the coolness factor of Steve Jobs, and the resurgence of IPOs are part of the draw, the real motivating factor is the availability of jobs -- and the lure of a high paycheck.