[readme]

That's why I'm going back to college. Frankly, you can do it the way he did. There are some pros and cons to that.

Pros:

    * Cost $0
    * Flexible

Cons:

    * Probably more difficult than going to college.
    * You do it alone.
    * No networking opportunities, no new friends.
    * No credential.

Still, I feel like I'm due for some serious topcoder sessions.

[sejordan]

I don't have a college degree. I just enrolled at a local college to finish my BS in Computer Science.

I've not exactly had trouble finding work, and make more than most college graduates. I'm going back because:

    * I don't want my resume thrown out because I don't have a degree. The climate is great for developers right now, but that may not always be the case. I can handle taking classes for the two years it will take me to finish the degree for a little extra job security. 
    * I want to learn the stuff! Being as I'm gainfully employed without a college degree, it would appear that I'm an excellent self-learner. Sure, maybe I am, but I know myself, and I know I'll be more likely to stick with learning artificial intelligence and computation theory if I'm concerned about keeping my grade up.
    * Also, on that end, I'm not good with advanced data structures. When interviewers break out questions that deal with these problems, I struggle. I could study more and learn them on my own, but the structure of a class makes it easier (to me).
    * My employer is paying for most of the tuition costs. I probably wouldn't consider it worth it if they weren't.

[readme]

I agree with most of your reasons as well. Especially the first one. Many people might think they're all set because they made it without a degree. An economic downturn could put them on the street and their resume in the trash any day.

[nsmartt]

>Probably more difficult than going to college.

>You do it alone.

I actually consider both of these to be pros rather than cons.

I also don't really sweat the lack of credentials, but I can't argue that it's a pro with a straight face. It could certainly be used to weed out certain types of companies who place too much emphasis on a degree.

[readme]

The credential is good for things other than getting a job. It can help you emigrate to another country, as well as enroll in a master's or phd program.