Absolutely. I learned so much from my degree. Even at a decent school, the top level classes walked me through algorithms, compilers, operating systems, and gra

Absolutely. I learned so much from my degree. Even at a decent school, the top level classes walked me through algorithms, compilers, operating systems, and graphics in a way I might not have done myself. Plus, the best people in my class were great, and discussing how to problem solve with them for coursework was very very helpful. The whole thing was very helpful as practice in a bunch of different areas of CS. On the practical end, your degree is still a big filter for how companies screen applicants. A lack of a CS degree makes it way more difficult to get in the door. I know there are counterexamples, but 99% of my coworkers had CS degrees. Unless the money is a huge burden, or the school you would go to really is crap, then yeah, the degree makes the rest of the journey much easier. As advice, try to get evaluated out of the intro courses and skip to higher level stuff. Often if you can show a prof that you can program (before the school year begins) you can place right into a course that is at your level. The AI arguments are also facile. A CS degree is still the best training to be ready to use AI effectively. You understand more about how it is built than everyone else, plus you know way more about every tool surrounding the AI, and would have an easier time making your own. I know some people have success with alternative paths. But the main road is the main road for a reason here. Edit: Please also look at the best schools for CS, and don't just discard them as options. My coworkers out of these schools got even more out of their classes and costudents than I did. Your son sounds talented, and the best schools can help talent go even further.