A few years ago, the question of how to break into tech was simple: get a computer science degree, graduate, and apply for jobs. Today, the landscape looks dramatically different. Coding bootcamps have exploded in popularity, online certifications from Google, IBM, and Meta carry real weight with employers, and self-taught developers are landing six-figure salaries. So if you’re serious about building a tech career, how do you choose?

Let’s start with the numbers. A traditional four-year computer science degree at a reputable university can cost anywhere from $40,000 to over $200,000 depending on the institution and country. A coding bootcamp, by contrast, typically runs between $7,000 and $20,000 and lasts anywhere from 12 to 24 weeks. On the surface, the bootcamp seems like an obvious winner on cost. But cost is only one piece of the puzzle.

What a degree gives you is depth. University programs cover computer science fundamentals — algorithms, data structures, operating systems, theory of computation — that provide a strong intellectual foundation. This breadth of knowledge matters enormously for roles in systems engineering, machine learning research, and large-scale software architecture. Many top-tier tech companies, particularly for competitive engineering roles, still quietly favour candidates with CS degrees, even if their job postings don’t explicitly require one.

What a bootcamp gives you is speed and focus. The best bootcamps are laser-focused on job-ready skills — building real web applications, learning modern frameworks like React and Node.js, working with APIs and databases, and preparing for technical interviews. Graduates enter the job market faster and often with a portfolio of projects that demonstrates practical ability. For roles in web development, UX/UI, and junior software engineering, bootcamp graduates compete effectively.

The truth is that neither path is universally better — it depends on your goals, your timeline, and your financial situation. Here are three questions to guide your decision:

1. What kind of tech role do you want? If you’re aiming for machine learning research, embedded systems, or roles at elite companies like Google or DeepMind, a CS degree will serve you better. If you want to build websites, work at a startup, or transition careers quickly, a bootcamp or self-study path is entirely viable.

2. How much time and money can you invest? A bootcamp is a faster, cheaper bet — but it requires intense focus and immediate follow-through with job applications. A degree is a longer runway but opens doors that a bootcamp certificate may not.

3. Are you self-disciplined enough to self-direct? Both paths require initiative, but bootcamps especially demand that students continue learning independently after graduation. The tech industry moves fast, and no single program — degree or bootcamp — will keep you current forever.

One thing both paths agree on: your portfolio matters more than your certificate. Employers want to see what you’ve built. A strong GitHub profile, impressive side projects, and the ability to talk confidently through your code in an interview will take you further than any credential alone.

The bottom line? The best path into tech is the one you’ll actually finish and follow through on. Choose the option that fits your life — then go all in.