I'm still in school, so I'm not sure if that makes me too biased to answer, but I did anyway.
I've paid for it completely (from work+loans)...and I'll be a fair bit in debt by the end, but I would do it at twice the price. Everything about it (experiences, knowledge, certification, meeting people) was worth it to me. And of course I need it for my chosen career.
Of course it's not the best option for everyone, but for me it definitely is.
