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Ask HN: Is there room for a non-profit computer science degree provider?

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Ask HN: Is there room for a non-profit computer science degree provider?

#1

Post by trcollinson »

I was reading over in the “What did you work on in 2017” thread and noticed quite a number of people are working on bootcamp style engineering curriculums. That led me to wonder again about something I’ve thought of before:

Why isn’t there a bootcamp that provides a bachelors level computer science degree?

I realize that most bootcamps are focused on providing people with the skills needed to get a job quickly, getting a bachelors level degree is a different market. But I would imagine there are people who would like that level of degree.

I also realize that a bachelors level degree has a number of requirements that aren’t purely comp sci requirements. I don’t see that as a problem. Why not have a full curriculum? I think that is possible.

Also, why does a comp sci degree have to cost so much? In fact, if you’re willing to put in the effort to learn and grow why can’t it be free? This may be a very US centric view. I know other countries have different ways of paying for college educations. But here in the US it’s going to cost you tens of thousands of dollars at minimum. Does it have to be that way?

So I guess my question is, why can’t there be a free or low cost, not for profit, accredited bachelors level computer science degree?

What am I missing?

Re: Ask HN: Is there room for a non-profit computer science degree provider?

#2

Post by seanmcdirmid »

Most public and even private universities are non profit. The American system is very service-heavy (smaller class sizes, lots of hand holding), while what you want is the German system, where your education is almost free but all they give you is have a lecture with a huge audience and one or two graded tests per semester. This is also kind of the opposite of a boot camp, which is an accelerated program that relies on lots of support.

Re: Ask HN: Is there room for a non-profit computer science degree provider?

#3

Post by mcny »

seanmcdirmid wrote: post #2

Most public and even private universities are non profit. The American system is very service-heavy (smaller class sizes, lots of hand holding), while what you want is the German system, where your education is almost free but all they give you is have a lecture with a huge audience and one or two graded tests per semester. This is also kind of the opposite of a boot camp, which is an accelerated program that relies…

What if we go the MOOC route with very, very frequent clicker type quizzes with detailed explanations that help students assess where they are and also severely cut down on the interaction between the student and the instructor? Any student feedback will be public and the instructor shall use it to improve the course, quizzes, and projects for all?

Re: Ask HN: Is there room for a non-profit computer science degree provider?

#4

Post by knicholes »

I don't see the need for a degree if you have the skills. People who have the grit to bootstrap their CS education and complete it will do so. They don't need the support of a bootcamp or an accredited institution.

In my work in trying to teach CS to refugees and underprivileged, underrepresented people, I've been discouraged. As of now, I believe that there is a very small subset of people who can really "get it" and make a difference. I think even I am not one who can, but through my hard work and determination, I've been able to eek out a pretty good income.

You can bring a horse to water, but you can't force it to drink. These kids want to be doctors, flight attendants, sports stars. Sure, they'll come sit in class because their parents are making them (because they see the value in what we're offering... free CS education with professional and industry support) They'd rather hang out with their friends than secure the keys needed to break the poverty cycle.

Re: Ask HN: Is there room for a non-profit computer science degree provider?

#5

Post by twblalock »

The average student loan debt in the US is about $30k. That's a little less than the price of the average new car sold in the US in 2017, and it's quite a bit less than the first year of salary for a graduate with a CS degree.

You can get a good education that prepares you for a high-paying career for less than the price of a Toyota Camry with leather seats. That seems to me like a fantastic deal.

Re: Ask HN: Is there room for a non-profit computer science degree provider?

#7

Post by trcollinson »

twblalock wrote: post #5

The average student loan debt in the US is about $30k. That's a little less than the price of the average new car sold in the US in 2017, and it's quite a bit less than the first year of salary for a graduate with a CS degree. You can get a good education that prepares you for a high-paying career for less than the price of a Toyota Camry with leather seats. That seems to me like a fantastic deal.

You definitely make a good point and one I hadn’t thought of. When you put it like that I don’t know why more people wouldn’t go to a reputable state school and get a CS degree and really study it out.

Re: Ask HN: Is there room for a non-profit computer science degree provider?

#8

Post by mlevental »

knicholes wrote: post #4

I don't see the need for a degree if you have the skills. People who have the grit to bootstrap their CS education and complete it will do so. They don't need the support of a bootcamp or an accredited institution. In my work in trying to teach CS to refugees and underprivileged, underrepresented people, I've been discouraged. As of now, I believe that there is a very small subset of people who can really "get it" an…

>These kids

they're children. there's something tragically wrong with the world that we expect children to be so jaded that they'd rather be career climbing than "hang out with their friends". i say this as someone who occasionally wishes he did do that (hung out less and studied more) and did come relative poverty but my point still stands.

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