Best path to Web Development?

Hi fluther, was hoping you could give some advice. I’m interested in getting into web development, but I am not sure what the best path is for my situation.

I have a bachelors degree in Political Science, so fairly unrelated… And for the last couple of years since graduating I’ve worked at a bank. So, no real background in what I want to switch to.

My question is, whats the best way for me to jump tracks and get into web development? I’ve heard a lot of advice but everyone has a slightly different opinion. Some say if I just teach myself I should be able to find the work I want (but also the pay?) Others say if I want a steady career in it, getting a degree of some type (even an associate) is the way to go. And if I did go back to school, where would I go? The local community college? The expensive, but hands on University (Devry) or the traditional 4 year and my alumni (Ohio State).

My goal is to switch quickly (within a year or two) and increase my income of course.

One last thing, some of my friends who are into the networking side of tech say I shouldn’t waste my time on web development lol so if anyone has a good supporting our counter argument for that feel free to add it! Thanks everyone!