[ido]

    Maybe the best universities are in the U.S.

For undergraduate I don't think it matters that much as you're far enough removed from the state of the art at that point anyway- you'll probably get about the same level of bachelor-level CS education at any decent university in the developed world as you would in the top US institutions like Stanford and MIT (and most Americans don't go to these elite institutions anyway)?

For graduate/research it's of course a different case altogether, these elite institution seem to mostly be elite in research, not pedagogy. What probably does matter is that the base level of tertiary education is good enough (which seems like it's the case in western Europe, but maybe not in a lot of the developing world).

[sulikns]

Honestly, I'm not aiming to participate in cutting-edge research or be involved in elite academic projects. My goal is much simpler — I just want to become a good, competent developer who understands the fundamentals of computer science and writes code thoughtfully. I love computers and problem-solving, and I enjoy building things for the fun of it, not for money or prestige. If I manage to live long enough and find work — that’s more than enough for me. For me, a platform like OSSU (Open Source Society University) is the only truly accessible and supportive environment where I can learn, get help, and grow. I can't afford an expensive formal education, but thanks to the community and open materials, I'm making steady progress. As for the claim that "at the undergraduate level it doesn't really matter" and "you'll likely get about the same education in any decent university as in places like Stanford or MIT" — I have to disagree. In many so-called "decent" universities, the baseline can often mean: • outdated curricula and technologies (e.g., focusing on C without exposure to modern languages and practices), • a purely theoretical approach with little connection to real-world applications, • instructors with little or no industry or research experience, • and unfortunately, sometimes a lack of academic integrity. In such environments, students may graduate with a diploma but without real practical skills or understanding — making their education nominal rather than competitive. That’s why it’s not just about where you study, but what and how you study. If someone is learning CS with curiosity, consistency, and a focus on real-world practice — even without a prestigious degree, they can still go far. I hope to become that kind of developer, even if I'm not from MIT.