One question that i have heard asked, is: does a degree help in employment. On this side of the pond, i believe it does. Here's the reason(s): I have been a hiring manager. On a couple of occasions, i have had two candidates that were basically equivalent, except that one had a degree, the other did not. The degree did not directly apply to the job to be done. Now, of course, the question is: "Which did you hire"?? The answer, in both cases, was "the one with the degree". The next question is: "why"??? My answer (others may have a different answer in their particular cases), was that: "I know that the one with the degree had to: work all night to get work out (for their degree), work over their birthday, Christmas - when they really wanted to go home to their 'rents, but stayed on campus to finish an assignment, and forgo vacations to complete degree requirements. I know this, because I had to do it to get my degrees, and everyone i've worked with (that i've asked) had to do it too. The one without a degree, might decide when hunting season opens next fall, to take off for 3 weeks to chase deer. This could be just when i need "all hands on deck" to deal with a crisis, and keep my customer happy. My head is on the block with my management to get the work done. I cannot afford to have staff that i cannot count on - on the payroll. THAT is why i hire the one with the degree. The one without the degree might be just as dedicated, but they are untested. I'm not willing to take the chance. Cheers.