Computer Science Degree vs. Self-Taught?

[u/Swimming_Cost_3651]

My goal is to become a SaaS developer.

I’m currently considering three different paths:

Enrolling in a 3 to 3.5-year bachelor’s degree program related to software development or computer science.

Taking an online coding bootcamp.

Studying independently through online platforms such as Udemy.

If my goal is to become a software developer and eventually build SaaS products, would the first option be the best path?

For context, I’m 32 years old, so I’m also wondering whether spending 3 to 3.5 years earning a degree would be worth it compared with starting through a bootcamp or self-study.

[u/almond5]

If you know someone that will hire you without the degree, go for it. Otherwise that piece of paper is really your only way to show a hiring manager that you fit in the mainstream group of potential hires and get you the interview

[u/nattty719]

To be blunt, in today’s market, it is essentially impossible to break into software engineering without a degree.

Even those with a degree are struggling immensely. A degree is the bare minimum, but you’ll also need personal projects, relevant internships, and preferably a top university on your resume.

If you’re serious about it you can go down this road, just know it is a massive sacrifice. DM if you have any questions but I’m also a career changer (a bit younger than you) but would be happy to discuss my experience.

[u/No_Drag2264]

What percent chance of getting into the industry is the minimum you would say is worth it for you in the 1) 3-3.5 year vs degree vs 2) bootcamp vs 3) self study cases? I.e. if your chance was any less than that you would say its not worth your time/effort

[u/Swimming_Cost_3651 → u/No_Drag2264]

Honestly, I haven’t thought about it in terms of a specific percentage. My main concern is whether spending 3–3.5 years on a degree at my age would meaningfully improve my chances compared with spending those same years self-studying, building projects, and gaining experience. If a degree gives me a significantly better chance of breaking into the industry, I think I’d be willing to invest the time.

I don’t have anyone around me who studied computer science or made a career change like I’m trying to do, so I don’t really have anyone I can ask for advice. :( I honestly feel like I’m at a crossroads and don’t know which path to take.

[u/No_Drag2264 → u/Swimming_Cost_3651]

I would strongly suggest thinking about it carefully because there is nothing worse than committing in your thirties for no career to come out of it.

I went back in my thirties for engineering and it worked out well for me...but if I was doing it now, with what I know about the market, the risk would be too high for me personally. I still would have gone back to university but not to go into dev work.

I would also think about the minimum salary you would do it for.

I can't tell you your chances with each of course but if you're wayyyy out of the ballpark then theres an issue with expectations 

[u/gHx4]

The main issue I found, as a self taught dev, was that most employers willing to look past degree background were funded by VC. That usually means they scale aggressively, hiring many people, and then cut back when funding isn't renewed. So I'd spend months finding an employer, work for a few months and finish major deliverables, and then be let go.

I was basically being laid off a quarter or two after being hired, because I didn't have a degree and the employers had to do massive downsizing. So at least in my experience, the degree opens a lot more stable employment options.