I think the biggest disadvantage of a DIY degree is that there's no one requiring you to take classes that don't interest you. Thing is, when I was studying, I was grossly incorrect about 1) which classes I would come to enjoy, and 2) which subjects I would actually use every day at work. There were lots of things I studied only because someone was making me, but that I found to be incredibly fascinating or useful once I had learned a little about them.
That's the biggest thing I think someone would give up by not pursuing a traditional degree.
That's the biggest thing I think someone would give up by not pursuing a traditional degree.