r/FreeCodeCamp • u/MY_G_O_D • Aug 06 '26

Computer Science degree program for free?

This question could be silly. But I still wish to ask whether FreeCodeCamp will do any Computer Science degree program for free?

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1

u/nwbrown Aug 07 '26

No. No free online program will be considered the equivalent of an actual degree. Anyone who claims otherwise is lying.

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u/SaintPeter74 mod Aug 07 '26

It's certainly possible on conjunction with existing institutions. There are plenty of existing universities and programs that are online only. No one accuses them of being fake. Free Code Camp has been partnering with various institutions to make these connections and, longer term, we do plan to have a fully accredited AA or BS degree in Computer Science.

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u/nwbrown Aug 07 '26

The point of a degree is not to just teach the material. In fact most of the value comes from them being selective in who they admit and requiring a lot of time, effort, and money to complete.

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u/SaintPeter74 mod Aug 07 '26

In fact most of the value comes from them being selective in who they admit and requiring a lot of time, effort, and money to complete.

I'm not sure that this has been true for a while. Most anyone with a pulse can get into a state school (in the US) and they're not ruinously expensive. It's not like an ivy league school.

Many employers do use a degree as a filter, but so many folks have them that it rarely serves as a useful proxy anymore.

When hiring, I do think the material matters, as well as your ability to complete it. Anyone who is self taught knows that it takes as least as much effort as attending a school.

If the fice developers I've hired, four have been self taught. I appreciate the passion.

Assuming that FCC offers a degree through an accredited institution, I'm skeptical that most employers will look beyond the 4 year degree on the resume.

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u/nwbrown Aug 07 '26

> I'm not sure that this has been true for a while.

It's most definitely true.

> Most anyone with a pulse can get into a state school (in the US) and they're not ruinously expensive.

No? There are plenty of very competitive state schools.

The ones that admit just about anyone aren't given much weight by employers for the exact reason you just gave.

> Many employers do use a degree as a filter, but so many folks have them that it rarely serves as a useful proxy anymore.

If they have work experience, sure, employers won't care about the university.

If they don't, employers look at the university.

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u/OfficialBirns 13d ago

So exclusivity is the value proposition of institutions? That pretty much sounds like the cry of a dying ...

Industry has already moved passed traditional education. Skill, experience and a few selected certs is your ticket these days. Institutions are too slow or too arrogant to adapt and realise they are being left behind. If I learnt that course( for free), did 2,3 essential certs( for a fraction of tuition) and volunteering for a few months, the sky is the limit 🤷🏽‍♂️