A lot of government IT positions will allow you to substitute experience for a degree (according to USAjobs.gov).
I do agree though, although I'd say it's very positive thing going to a place like MIT, it really doesn't impact my decisions for hiring. I'd rather hear about your real story. When did you find out you wanted to code? How did you truly learn? What hurdles did you overcome? What kind of things have you actually done? Even college grads are expected to have some kind of experiences that relate to the job.
I do agree though, although I'd say it's very positive thing going to a place like MIT, it really doesn't impact my decisions for hiring. I'd rather hear about your real story. When did you find out you wanted to code? How did you truly learn? What hurdles did you overcome? What kind of things have you actually done? Even college grads are expected to have some kind of experiences that relate to the job.