What are peoples opinions on whether just taking the algorithms class helps a lot? People can do it online almost as easily

Most people aren't good at self-directed study of hard things. Taking a class on algorithms at a good school is one of the best ways to learn the challenging material, period. The ability to ask a real human questions when something just doesn't "click" in your brain is invaluable.

You're going to learn novel things in an Algorithms class that you can't learn online - but the way it's taught is easier for most people to digest the material. Motivated/driven/talented individuals can absolutely learn the material themselves.