I'm 24 with a two-year associate's degree in Computer Science and have been working as a developer for four years in a non-tech company, earning 78k CAD. I've been accepted into a university for a CS bachelor's degree, but I'm concerned about the cost (30-40k CAD) and the challenge of working full-time while studying full-time. My partner makes significantly more than I do, which affects my ability to get student loans as we split our bills evenly. Additionally, I may have to transfer schools soon as I'm planning to move to another city. I love learning and am eager for formal education, but I struggle with confidence and self-study. I'm uncertain if pursuing this degree is worth the financial and personal sacrifices. Any advice from others in similar situations?
4 Answers
Have you looked into WGU for an online CS degree? It's affordable and lets you work at your own pace. You can transfer previous credits, which might save you time and money. Plus, you can complete courses quickly if you already know the material—no homework, just final exams and projects!
I’m in the same boat as you, so any advice you get, I’d love to hear it too!
I've been in the field for 15 years, and I got my degree a decade into my career. Honestly, I never even put it on my resume because nobody ever asked. Degrees can help with the first job, but they're not as crucial after that if you have solid experience.
A degree can become more valuable as you progress in your career, especially for leadership roles. However, in the first 15-20 years, your experience often speaks louder than your degree. It's really about your long-term goals—it could help you later on, but isn't always essential for your first jobs.
Does it get harder to find good-paying jobs without a degree, though?
This sounds great! Did getting the degree help you find a job afterward?