Path of becoming a pro

[taduikis]

Hi there.
A dilema in a path of my life.
I have a dream of becoming a pro. In between my day job as a programmer and finishing my bachelor's degree in physics I was preparing for audition to get in to music school to study bass. Few days ago I found out that it got much more expensive and there is no way I can pay my tuition.
My reason to study music was mainly not because of teachers, but for getting those important connections and also for getting a diploma and being elligible to teach music in schools.
I know I can get good enough by myself and private teachers, but is it so much harded to make your path as a pro when you didn't finish music school?
Please, any comments, suggestions, encouragements would be much appreciated.

[Stumbo]

Check out the link in my sig. for some info that may help you out.

[taduikis]

Thanks.