[brianwawok]

But you are missing the case of both a degree and good programming skills. If two programmers code equally, why wouldn't I hire the guy with the degree? That took the algorithm classes and took the writing class and has more tools in his toolbox than coding?

It's ok you don't have a degree but not sure why you would be shocked that some prefer college graduates

[charlesdm]

Why would you pick the one with a degree? If two developers are of equal technical ability, I would honestly pick the one with better social skills over the one with a degree.

[brianwawok]

You are implying there is a downside. In my example they are the same in all aspects you measure.

[celdon25]

Since all other things are equal, the solution is simple. The person with the degree is more likely to have student loan debt, so a salary of X dollars per year will go further in the case of the one without the debt. The person with the debt is more likely to require more money for the same level of satisfaction.

All other things being equal, of course.

[always_good]

Seems like you're really stretching it.

The one that went to uni probably got laid a lot more, too. So as they're working in an office space with no women and possibly not meeting any women on the side, they are less likely to have a social crisis when they're working their 60th hour of the week.

This is kind of fun!

[tonyedgecombe]

Also everybody else would choose the degree candidate so you have no competion for the other, you are likely to get them for less money and they will be more loyal.

However I suspect there is very little rationality in hiring, even amongst this community.

[id122015]

The only thing that shocks me is to read over and over again that cs graduates dont know how to program. Its that famous article about cs graduates.

Also, the definition of insanity is to do the same thing and expect different results.