>Or, in my case, less than $20,000 for a piece of paper, some very valuable formal instruction that I draw on today (and, more importantly, knowledgeable people who at the time could put it into a context I could understand), some great contacts, some great work experience, an environment where I could take the time to build projects to improve what I know about my profession and my craft without worrying about making rent, and the ability to actually spell "piece". Pretty good trade.

This is my experience as well. Admittedly, it was probably closer to $80,000 after everything, but it gave me exactly that environment.

I'm 4 years out of school, and I've made back the cost of my piece of paper.