[foobarbaz33]

A degree costs money, time, and lost opportunity. On top of that the cost of a degree is inflated due to student loans with no bankruptcy option. All to unlock doors you unlocked 6 years ago. A list of notable projects you worked on professionally is more valuable than a degree.

Even in a future unfavorable job market, over-saturated with workers, the profit motive doesn't change. Proven ability is more valuable than paper credentials. Especially in a job requiring innovation, where you can't simply do things by rote.