Applied Cryptography[0] is available for $18.97 for a used hardcover copy on Amazon. The only thing that doesn't come with that a classroom does is someone to hold you accountable to read it.
One could memorize Applied Cryptography, and still not be qualified to create a new encryption algorithm. That requires advanced education.
Additionally, Applied Cryptography is an outdated (“classic”?) book. It’s most recent introduction clearly states this, and refers the reader to a different book (“Cryptographic Engineering”) for more current information.
Can you give me a bibliography of books readable by a person without an advanced degree, that would teach them how to create brand new, secure fully homomorphic encryption algorithm?
Edit: my spell checker changed “homomorphic” to “homophobic!”
School is about a person who knows more than you on a topic, being over your shoulder, and telling you "that is right", "that is wrong", "you should do this via this method", etc.
School isn't just a funnel of knowledge being poured into your brain. It's about the people that teach you and verify that you are actually learning the right things. Sure, you can pick up books on cryptography, but who would you rather hire? A self-taught cryptographer, or a university-vetted cryptographer?
