A CS degree will open some doors for you that would have been closed without it. It will likely open up higher top end salaries eventually. Yes, FAANGs are ea

A CS degree will open some doors for you that would have been closed without it. It will likely open up higher top end salaries eventually. Yes, FAANGs are easier to land with a degree than without. I got my degree and worked full time. It took me twenty years. YMMV. No, in general you must have a BS in order to apply to any MS program that is worth anything.