"Equivalent" - is a tricky word. If you can't tell the difference in the quality of the work, then I would go with the degree. All it really implies is that th

"Equivalent" - is a tricky word. If you can't tell the difference in the quality of the work, then I would go with the degree. All it really implies is that the candidate can stick with a plan and follow through. In real life, many of the self-taught candidates are substantially better. If you're self taught and your work looks just like a someone who went for 4 years of mindless classwork - that's not in your advantage.