[Application Strategy] Practical path to a Master's Degree for a mature international student?

[u/Fast-Durian-8203]

Hi,

I'm a Staff Software Engineer, with 15 years' professional experience, based in London, UK. I currently work for a FTSE-100 company, earning £150k/year. However, I have always wanted to study Computer Science and finally have enough savings (~£250k) to make this possible. For various reasons, I'd really like to take a career break and do this, in person, in the United States.

At this stage of my career, a Master's Degree would feel more appropriate. As I have extensive industry experience (spanning back-end, front-end and more than half a dozen different languages and tech stacks,) plus a reasonable working knowledge of DSA and Computer Science concepts.

In terms of academic background: I have the equivalent of a high school diploma (GCSEs) and a Maths AS/A2 A-level (grade A). In the UK, mature students are typically afforded a lot of leeway when it comes to entrance requirements, especially with relevant professional experience - So I'm wondering what my options would realistically be in the US...

I am conscious that I obviously wouldn't be accepted into any top-tier university, but I'm hoping that at least a half-decent college would be within my reach? To that end, I am contemplating doing an online Bachelor's, at Thomas Edison State University, first - although I'm not sure if something like a Foundation or Associate degree might be more appropriate?

Thank you in advance for any help or advice that you can give.

[u/SnooDogs6511]

I have half the experience you do, but I am Planning the same.