Can we be good programmers without going to college?

Question

I know there are many things that you can't learn for your own. But just for the programming part, is it college really needed? What do you think?

Answer 1

You can be a good programmer without a college degree of course - but what you learn there will enable you to become an even better programmer. With a solid background in math and CS theory you will be able to do so much more.

You can try to learn it all on your own, but probably not as efficiently as completing college courses. In universities you learn under pressure so it forces you to become more competitive.

This is the reason why 99% of IT companies ask for a college degree to get a job.

Answer 2

Freelancing is not for everyone I think, pretty much like owning a business. The pressure is much greater than in having a regular job with some kind of security.

Answer 3

@Diego, computer science.

Answer 4

I haven't finished college yet, but from what I can tell, I stepped back from programming when I started the semester. I recover interest because of social networks! I bought a couple of courses and here I am (:

Answer 5

@Helioform Excuse the ignorance, what's CS theory?

Answer 6

Thank you. What about freelancing?

Answer 7

I see. Thanks for your answers guys! You've been really helpful (: