[bdcravens]

It's not (or at least, doesn't have to be) a binary question; it's a sliding scale of ROI.

[tinyhouse]

A programming course on coursera might have a higher return than a degree in History from Harvard. (assuming return=money)

[bdcravens]

As someone without a degree and making market rate or better, I agree (and I started when there weren't so many online options)

Of course the hard part is getting hired without that rubber stamp, but there are many options (many have an idealized idea of what your career will look like, but that's often disconnected from reality)