[quickpost]

Unless you're career progress is dependent on a traditional degree (university professor, old school corporation, etc.), I would say go with whichever route allows you to actually both learn and apply the materials to the fullest extent.

The important thing is that you're able to learn and master the material and use it to create real value in the world. If you can do that, I don't think anyone will care how you came by it.

The great aim of education is not knowledge but action.