[bobcattr]

College is not beneficial to all people but to many it is critical. At least in America the state of elementary, middle and high school is simple failure. Students are graduating with skills 8th graders had 30+ years ago. Students are graduating with only ever have taken watered down math and science courses.

I was one of those students who went to a public school which the standard of education was pretty darn low. When I got to college I was hit hard with just how behind I was. Many students were far above me all around.

When I graduated HS around 98% of students went off to colleges of some kind. Now when I look at facebook at least of the people I knew only a handful actually has a real job and of those people they are the ones who finished college. The rest don't have careers.

For me and the few others college fixed us. It forced us to do the work and work our way up to what most people are capable of.

So when you hear about the all star developer who never went to college and is doing great. Be sure of one thing, that person got a great education and good problem solving skills were learned. For the rest of us who never got this, you need to make up for it somehow. College is your shot.

[jdelgado]

Absolutely a valid point, that is defiantly the thought that has kept me in thus far. I know a handful of kids that graduated with me and literally haven't worked a day in their life. I think it's amazing that people are content with that type of existence.

Thank you for your feedback, it's appreciated!

[bobcattr]

I'm a sys admin too, just one with a CS degree. I don't think you need a degree to do well but it certainly does help. You were right in that many companies have strict education requirements. It may not limit you now at a younger age but once you are in your 30's or above and you start to be considered for management that's when the education requirements really kick in. In many cases you may be in line for the management position but they simply cannot hire you due to internal policy. That royally sucks. It's a reason why many CS classes are occupied with older students, they are coming back due to that limitation.

You're only young once. College is fun, especially if you go to a big school and live on or near campus. Yes it's expensive and a lot of potential income is lost but the experiences you can have are really priceless. I say can have instead of will have because it's what you make of it. If you go and are a hermit you will have some good times but not the full package.

Some people like myself didn't come from families who could afford college. I had to take loans. Some people who took loans hate paying them back and regret going. I happened to get a good job out of it doing something I really enjoy (I get paid to play with linux all day). I don't mind paying off my loans. I am very grateful that I was able to take the loans and when I pay them I know it was for one hell of a good time. It really made me who I am today. I was challenged in class, met a few professors who changed how I learned, was exposed to all sorts of new ideas and met a bunch of friends who were actually smart. I found it well worth it.