Hey Evan, I know for a fact that big tech companies like Google or Meta will hire you without a CS master's degree. If it weren't for a hiring freeze at Meta right now I'd give you a referral. There's no reason for you to expend time and money on a useless credential unless you really really just want to learn the material.
Also, after a career in startups, I am looking for work in bigger, more conservative organisations. So those are the places I want to work.