[stcredzero]

So those who do not attend college don't have access to do substantive work? I agree.

Wow, is putting words into another's mouth a standard HN move now?

Getting into college is not an insurmountable barrier. Find a professor who is genuinely interested in the work you're interested in. Start learning the background information required to do the work. Between the two of you, you should be able to figure out a way to work together. This works for both financial and admissions barriers.

There are also many kinds of substantive work one can do without a college degree.