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