The two things aren't necessarily mutually exclusive. Though it's extremely difficult to get a degree while working (and cash-flowing the whole thing, not going

The two things aren't necessarily mutually exclusive. Though it's extremely difficult to get a degree while working (and cash-flowing the whole thing, not going into debt), it's the route that I chose via an online school. In reality, it meant going to school closer to 6 years rather than 4 for a degree, but I will be graduating in May and already have a job that makes nearly $100k a year, with no student loan debt. If you have the ability, skill, and discipline to do both at the same time, I wouldn't entirely suggest against it. (More companies are open to developers that are seeking a degree than those that simply don't have it as well) I won't lie...it is tough, particularly with a family. But I think in a way it gives you both the practical viewpoint and the theoretical viewpoints of programming both together. Also, school doesn't have to cost 50-100k...unless you get into a top 10 school and are favored, it may not be worth it to go to such an expensive school. If you're already good at development though, I think that getting the experience is more lucrative, but the degree more rewarding.