I've been programming off and on since 4th grade (for about 20 years). Technology is one of my passions but after working in the field for a couple years out of High School, I spent nine months and $15,000 getting an accredited certificate in music performance instead of CS.

I've been doing lots of self study but I think a CS degree is overkill for most line of business applications. Even so, HR departments can't be expected to know that...

How does one get their foot in the proverbial door without a degree, especially in a smaller "fly-over country" market?
...or...
Where can I get the cheapest/easiest degree that will pass muster (including testing out of as much as possible)?

Don't get me wrong, I'm down with learning new things but I don't necessarily need the expense or coaching to motivate me.

EDIT

Consolidating good answers:

• Networking/User Groups
• Portfolio/Open Source Contributions
• Look for hybrid jobs (How I got my start :) )
• Seek un-elitist companies/hiring managers. (Play the numbers game)
• Start my own business. (This is a bit challenging for a family man but a very good answer. My reason for searching is to reduce my commute thereby allowing more time to cultivate income on the side)
• Avail myself of political subsidies to constituents in the teachers' unions ;) .