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Actually, I meant is a degree really required?

Personally, I left college with a couple of years left to go, when I realized I could make just as much money without a degree as with one, and I could teach myself anything I needed to know, anyway.

(I haven't regretted it in 15+ years of professional programming, for what it's worth.)

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For flexible private-sector organizations like startups, 'X required' almost always means 'X or equivalent experience required'. Being bold enough to understand that and apply, explaining your equivalent experience, can be a positive signal.

(I imagine there are exceptions among very bureaucratic and regulated agencies or government contractors. But even there, you may reach an individual hiring manager with both the wisdom and discretion to hire anyone with the right skills, regardless of credentials.)

Also fine.

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