[disgruntledphd2]

I both agree and disagree with you there. I would agree that I myself have learned more from independent study than I have from formal education (and I've almost finished a PhD) but, I did learn a lot of things that I didn't realise I needed from college/university.

Granted given the recent changes to fees in the UK, I completely see where you're coming from. I suppose in your situation (as a (presumably bright) A level student in the UK) it would probably only make economic sense to attend a Russell Group University, preferably Oxbridge.

Then, the real returns from education are not (in my experience) economic. Mind you, money is nice, so don't completely ignore economics.