[hazmattron]

As a current college student in CS, I can see how this approach could be valid. A lot of what is taught in classes I could definitely learn on my own initiative, BUT

- at least in my department, diversity is emphasized. Without being required to take classes in the more obscure arenas of computer science, I may never learn methods of thought that will come in handy eventually.

- a huge part of college is the "experience", being in an environment of people who are not all learning the same things. This brings in perspectives from different disciplines, which will help in working with a variety of situations and with a variety of people down the line. And flexibility is everything, especially in CS.

- making connections is important. I'm meeting and studying with many people who I could easily see working with later in life (people in CS, and other fields as well).

I think, while a strictly vocational training program could address these things to a certain degree, a college education does so much more appropriately.

...or at least I hope so. College is EXPENSIVE.