So before pulling the trigger on a spendy educational investment, ask yourself whether you'd have the self-discipline to enhance your marketable skills via books, blogs, distance learning programs, open-source coursework, or other potential self-study options. If you feel you really need the rigor and accountability that comes with classroom learning, more power to you. But at least weigh your alternatives -- and ponder whether there might be a faster, cheaper route available for acquiring the knowledge in question!