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Bootcamp vs CS Degree
A 4-year CS degree costs $80k–$200k and takes 4 years. A modern bootcamp costs $5k–$15k and takes 12–24 weeks. Here's what each actually delivers.
Scorecard
Criteria
Bootcamp
CS Degree
Time to first job
6–12 months
4+ years
Cost
$5k–$15k
$80k–$200k
Depth of fundamentals
Practical focus
Theory + breadth
Credential weight
Portfolio-driven
Universally recognised
Network
Cohort + employer
Alumni for life
Bootcamp
- Fastest path to income
- Portfolio-driven hiring
- Job-focused curriculum
- No student debt
Pick it when
You're switching careers and need to be earning within 12 months.CS Degree
- Strong fundamentals
- Universally recognised
- Research opportunities
- Lifetime alumni network
Pick it when
You're 18 and want maximum optionality, or you want to do research.Our verdict
If you want to start working as a software engineer within a year, a bootcamp wins. If you want to do research, work at FAANG-tier labs, or pivot into specialised fields (compilers, OS, robotics), a degree still opens more doors.
FAQ
Do employers care about a degree?+
Most modern employers care more about what you've built. Some legacy enterprises and visa pathways still require a degree.
What about self-taught?+
Self-taught works — if you have the discipline. A bootcamp is structured self-teaching with accountability.