I think there should be more emphasis towards self guided education in other fields. However, in a lot of ways web development and other sectors of programming,

I think there should be more emphasis towards self guided education in other fields. However, in a lot of ways web development and other sectors of programming, is an anomaly. Tech is one of the few true meritocracies left in this world, where it really doesn't matter where you came from as long as you can program. One of my instructors at GA is a fantastic programmer, and he dropped out of high school. Your points for why tech works as a viable path are hard to reproduce in other fields, however that doesn't mean it's impossible. That needs to change, and I think companies likes Udacity which not only provide courses, but also support, will lead the way in this paradigm shift.