[loopbit]

As someone that got to fifth year of a computer engineering degree[0] to drop off with only 2 classes left, I agree: There's stuff you learn in uni, thinking that you'll never use it again and, suddenly years later, it's the stuff that saves your ass (sometimes even vaguely remembering that there's something that might help with a specific problem helps).

So on that side, yep, studying a CS degree will give you a breadth of knowledge that you won't get learning 'on the job'.

On the other hand, I very much prefer working with someone that is able to see a gap in their 'mind toolbox', identify it as an issue and fix it to someone that just follows blindly a CS degree coursework.

[0] Hey, don't look at me, it was called like that in my country and, to be honest, it did have quite a bit of computer engineering (electronics, circuits, processor design...) as well as all the usual CS stuff. And maths, loads of maths.

[seivan]

For me, a CS degree is mostly math. I've met CS graduates who had the same gaps I had outside of math. Stuff that the degree wouldn't teach you.

But as I said, having the degree helps. It's easier to get jobs. I regret dropping for only that reason. I can fill the gaps myself.