[davismwfl]

Sure it is. I know a lot of good programmers that have created some awesome and reasonably complex data driven websites, but the minute we discuss byte order, bit manipulation or discuss using an algorithm for data manipulation instead of brute force they kinda glass over. That isn't saying everyone has to know low level details, but frankly, if you are writing code I think you should have a fundamental understanding of how the device you are coding for works and how you can make the best out of it. Just going to college and getting a CS degree won't guarantee you get those fundamentals, but you are far more likely to get a solid base at a good school then not.

Also, like others have pointed out, nothing says you have to get a CS degree. You could get a degree in any subject and apply your skills and knowledge of programming to a whole new area.

The younger you are too, the more benefit you get from the networking of college, the social and dynamic skills and the problem resolution capabilities.

Would going and getting a CS degree get you more money, probably not if you have at least 3+ years of experience. Also, plenty of companies always say they want a degree but when you apply with experience they seem to drop it. Even the government jobs that say a degree is absolutely required, I have had a number of friends get those jobs with no degree, although there have been a few hoops for them to jump through.