OTOH, prices and classroom grades are not the only instances of inflation. The need for bushel baskets of [insert dis-favored currency here] to buy a loaf of bread pales beside the qualifications poised by some job opening annoucements:

Junior Developer. Perl, C, mumps. Demonstrated competence in other languages a plus. Must be known world-wide for innovative OO solutions and familiar with HTML 5.0 and CSS 3. Prefer a candidate who has contributed at least 5 standard open source programs or modules. Full time (60 hours per week; we don't give a damn about wage and hour laws), on-site; competetive salary beginning at minimum wage. Respond with complete CV, evidence of TS security clearance (US), source code for at least 2 significant programs and the left thumb of your firstborn (alternate: blank, signed check).

Perhaps your "bit of" is overly modest; perhaps a potential employer will be well-satisfied by that and your skills & attitude. So the best I can suggest is -- go for it... but keep your investment on the low side until an employer demonstrates that it's offered a position worth having.