It doesn't necessarily have to cost that much. I am the founder of Software Craftsmanship Guild in Ohio. In our program if you are a job seeker we defer tuition until you get a job (you have to pass an acceptance test to get in).
Our current cohort still has 5 weeks to go and several of our students already have offers on the way.
You will learn MUCH faster from professionals than you will learn elsewhere or on your own.
The other benefit about doing a cohort in Ohio is that the cost of living and cost of tuition are way lower than on the coasts.
First, you have to know your value... and probably change jobs. Unfortunately most corporations have HR policies in place that prevent you from rapidly increasing salary unless you are promoted.
Second, you have to be more than a programmer, you need to be someone who can blend roles into project management, business analysis, strategy etc as well as make the people around you better.
Third, you need to in demand skills but maintain versatility. This is hard work. I work a 40 but I practice another 10-20 every week.
Our current cohort still has 5 weeks to go and several of our students already have offers on the way.
You will learn MUCH faster from professionals than you will learn elsewhere or on your own.
The other benefit about doing a cohort in Ohio is that the cost of living and cost of tuition are way lower than on the coasts.