I went the Microsoft direction and learned a ton. These large companies don't make billions by accident. Clearly they aren't as agile as some companies are bu

I went the Microsoft direction and learned a ton. These large companies don't make billions by accident. Clearly they aren't as agile as some companies are but the scope of what they do is tremendous. You get the chance to see how software is made for millions and then actually see millions use it. It's a wonderful thing, trust me. In reading the other comments I was surprised at how many people would choose the masters degree. In the end it is just an expensive piece of paper. It only means something if the next people in line think it does. Let me be honest and say a startup will likely not care that you have it. A large company would give you a level jump and with it a 5% raise. And academia would care the most, but that doesn't sound like the direction you want to go. Now don't get me wrong, college is a great ride and I can see the temptation to hang on just for that. For me, in hindsight, I can say honestly that the job route was right for me. I learned about the business of software -- my chosen profession. I paid off my not-so-small loans. And I saved up and started a company. This was my path and it was a good one. It worked. It fit me. I suppose it might fit you as well..