For your stated goals: One, you can get advanced knowledge in the field while being in the industry. IMHO a Masters isn't needed, after 8years of programming. I

For your stated goals: One, you can get advanced knowledge in the field while being in the industry. IMHO a Masters isn't needed, after 8years of programming. It's a different story for Mech/Elect etc. And two, you won't get any more recognition for your skills. Actually you might get a slight hit. Instead of being compared to 10 year experienced guys, you'll be compared to 8 year experienced guy. Gates, Zuckerberg, Spiegel are college dropouts(ivy league of course!). Don't think the industry cares as much about degrees as you are assuming it to be. However, you would find something else that you aren't looking for. You'll get back to univ life, breaking away from the monotony of regular work. That's fun. You'll have time to see things in new perspective, come up with new ideas. You might find some excellent peers with whom to team up for a potential startup. Also depends on the country/culture/school you're in.