[drmidnight]

I don't have a college degree at all. I went from a movie theater projectionist making minimum wage (8 years), to tech support(2 years), to customer service/qa at a startup(1 year), to an iOS developer(5 years), to now being a lead iOS developer at an established tech company. I don't particularly want to be an iOS developer, but it's the path that got me to where I am at and it pays very well. Not once during my last interview cycle (10 different companies) did anyone ask about a degree.

I think the grind and knowledge gained in multiple sectors was worth it, but it was a long road. I've been programming on and off my whole life so I think it really depends on the person, but not having any degree it is doable. Would I do it differently after looking back? Absolutely, but I doubt I would get a CS degree.

Moral of the story, if you want it bad enough and go out there and make it happen, you can find a place in this industry with a high school education. Just demonstrate knowledge and keep on learning.