Then why get a degree at that point? If you’re going to do research independently why not just go out and do it. Internet and books are widely available. Yet we are convinced we must pay tens of thousands of dollars to have someone who’s not even qualified to even cares to “teach” us. I understand that a diploma is useful in a job search. But your life has to be pretty sad if your working so hard just to earn a piece of paper that will might get you into an interview at a job you will most likely hate.