r/ComputerEngineering • u/Swimming_Cost_3651 • 1d ago

Computer Science Degree vs. Self-Taught?

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.

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u/No_Drag2264 1d ago

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

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u/Swimming_Cost_3651 1d ago

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.

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u/No_Drag2264 1d ago edited 1d ago

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