[walki]

> I've recently dropped out of highschool and I've been considering two options: promptly returning to school and finishing my degree or dedicating time to self-educate via the internet.

There is a 3rd option (if you want to work as a programmer):

You practice programming interview questions in your favourite programming language for a few weeks and start applying for jobs. Companies often hire young talented programmers without university degree in entry level positions because they are cheaper.

After having worked in the industry for 5 years no one cares about your degree anymore. The good thing about this 3rd option is that you are learning on the job what the other students learn at university and you don't have to pay for your software engineering education.

Students often tend to overestimate the importance and the benefits of a higher education. Personally I don't like your second option: "self-educate via the internet" because it won't help you getting a job and you will eventually forget what you have learned anyways. For this reason I prefer your first option and my 3rd option.

Good luck!