Obtaining a Thorough CS Background Online

That is a good list. In addition for like courses grouped together: http://coursebuffet.com/sub/computer-science

I have similar concerns. From my experience working in the biz, many companies job opportunity are hidden behind a thick wall of HR and corporate recruiters. I was interviewed by one just a few weeks ago, and I was left feeling pretty dirty afterwards. The person who interviewed me had no way to verify my claims, knowledge, or understanding of the industry. I have a degree or two, but none in CS, though Ive been self taught since age 11. It is unlikely I will receive a follow up call for the job as the individual in question has no way to qualify my experience.

I expect that it makes networking and work experience a lot more important. A friend of mine who taught himself programming tells me that his interviews tend to start with either "A literature degree?" or "It looks like you're a self-taught programmer." So you at least get a predictable icebreaker out of it.

The part that it makes tough is getting that interview. If it's a company that bothers to click your resume's Github link and see some work samples, you're probably OK. If it's a big company with a crappy HR filter on incoming applicants, you might have to find another way to get a foot in the door.

I know Google has a pretty good chunk of people without CS degrees. I'm curious if any self-taught people manage to get in there as a first job in the industry, like grads hired fresh out of college.

That's not how it works.

You take a comprehensive background in CS to learn CS, not for direct employment. The benefit is in being as strong an engineer as someone who went to school (theoretically).

In practice, all of the people I know who are successful engineers without a degree simply don't have an "Education" section on their résumé. They will make up for it in the other sections.

As for your last question - yes, it's completely viable. There are many people who make substantial salaries (much higher than the median engineer) without degrees. Just learn how to network and sell your skills. It isn't even all that difficult.

All those job ads that say, "You need to have a Bachelor's, preferably Master's" don't actually require those (with a few clear exceptions). In fact, you will become much more successful in your career if you learn to network with hiring managers and learn to pick out and ignore the more irrelevant requirements on a job ad.

Now, I'm not suggesting you drop out. I'm just saying it's completely viable.

I am convinced that the more people get higher education, the better it gets for humanity.

This is a great list. I've thinking a lot about open/free education for masses in my wondering times these days. I was going to compile a list of available online courses just like this but more so in a semester wise fashion so that anyone interested can actually dedicate time accordingly as if they are part of a regular college curriculum.

As more and more courses come online, getting full-on degree becomes very viable by just attending lectures online, getting together with local students for group study or assignment, on-demand labs and support of mentors. There is greater need for open standard so that employers can start accepting these students as viable accreditation options for employment in their organizations.