Is a Computer Science Degree Worth $130K in the Age of AI?

A talented high school developer, already proficient in multiple languages and hardware projects, is reconsidering a traditional four-year Computer Science degree due to its hefty price tag—around $130,000—and the uncertain future of entry-level programming jobs in the age of AI. This dilemma has sparked a robust debate among seasoned professionals, weighing the degree's value against alternative paths into the tech industry.

The Case for the Degree: Still a Golden Ticket?

Despite the cost, many argue that a CS degree remains the safest and most reliable path into a software development career. Its primary value often lies not just in the education itself, but in the credential it provides.

The HR Filter: For many companies, especially large ones like FAANG, a bachelor's degree is a non-negotiable requirement to even get past the initial screening. Recruiters often use it as a first-pass filter.
Gateway to Internships: The modern tech industry heavily relies on internships to vet and hire new talent. These opportunities are almost exclusively available to currently enrolled university students, making them one of the most critical stepping stones for a career.
Mastering the Fundamentals: While a motivated individual can learn to code on their own, a formal curriculum provides a structured deep-dive into complex, foundational topics like operating systems, compilers, and advanced algorithms—subjects that are difficult to master through self-study.
Beyond Code: University offers more than just technical skills. It's a place to develop crucial soft skills, build a professional network, and gain a broader education through liberal arts and engineering requirements that add depth to one's life and perspective.
Global Opportunities: For those who wish to work abroad, a bachelor's degree is often a mandatory requirement for obtaining a work visa.

Questioning the ROI: Debt, AI, and Alternative Paths

The most significant counter-argument is the staggering cost of education in the United States. Saddling a young person with six-figure debt before they've earned their first professional paycheck is a massive risk, especially when the entry-level market is more competitive than ever.

The rise of AI has also introduced new uncertainty. While some believe a CS degree is the best way to learn how to build and leverage AI, others worry that AI is already capable of handling the grunt work often assigned to junior developers, potentially shrinking the entry-level job pool.

This has led to a re-evaluation of what a young developer should study:

Stay Upwind: An idea from Paul Graham's essay, "What You'll Wish You'd Known," suggests choosing the path that leaves the most future options open. Majoring in a more fundamental and difficult subject like Mathematics or Physics may be a better long-term strategy, as it's easier to move from math to software development than the other way around.
The Hybrid Developer: Instead of a pure CS degree, many recommend pairing programming skills with another domain. A mechanical engineer who can code, or a finance expert with software skills, can possess a unique and highly valuable advantage in the job market.

Practical Strategies for Aspiring Developers

For those who decide a degree is the right path, there are ways to mitigate the costs and maximize the benefits:

Reduce Tuition Costs: Start at a community college for the first two years to complete general education and introductory courses at a fraction of the price before transferring to a four-year university.
Explore Online Options: Accredited online degrees, such as the University of London's BSc in Computer Science offered on Coursera, provide a legitimate credential for around $25,000. This format allows students to work full-time while studying.
Study Abroad: Consider universities in countries like Germany or Australia, where a world-class education can be obtained for significantly less money.
Skip the Intro Classes: For a student who is already an experienced developer, sitting through introductory courses can be demotivating. It's often possible to test out of these classes or speak with an academic advisor to be placed directly into higher-level coursework.