What's the advantage of graduating with a high or close to 4.0 GPA ? ~

[nyvrem]

Full time worker like me doing an online degree program (Computer Science).

Option #1 ~

Do 12~15 credits a term, (Fall/Spring), and barely get by with Cs and Bs because I'm sure I won't have alot of time to focus on everything.

I graduate sooner, faster, but lower GPA. (I think somewhere around 2.5 ~ 3.0)

Option #2 ~

Do 6~8 credits a term (Fall/Spring/Summer), and get A's and some Bs, because 2 classes each term is something I can deal with.

I graduate later, slower, but with a higher GPA. (I hope somewhere around 3.8 ~ 3.9)

Have a stable job now, but I'm hoping a CS degree can get me somewhere better - salary wise. (I've got some IT certs and experience)

I'm hoping to eventually finish a Masters in Computer Science too ~ I know those need a 3.0 GPA or higher. Or I could go back to Harvard Extension for a Software Engineering ALM.

Any thoughts ? Not sure if I should rush, or just keep it slow and steady