[Haul4ss]

You need to state your definition of 'success' first. On a macro scale, the lifetime earning potential of a college graduate still far exceeds that of a non-graduate, and both of those are higher than someone who doesn't complete high school.

That said, I am not a proponent of the "college for everyone" theory. Some people aren't cut out for college, and that doesn't make them people of lesser intrinsic worth.

When I was pondering putting college on hold, my dad gave me this advice: Do the thing now that gives you the most opportunities later. Finishing my bachelor's would give me more opportunities than not doing so.

Over the years, I've added my own corollary to dad's advice: Do the hardest thing you're capable of. For example, if you can handle advanced math courses, you should take them, and get a "mathy" degree (engineering, comp sci, mathematics, etc.) If you really like Art History you can minor in it, but do the hard thing as your major.

Can you succeed as a dropout? Absolutely. Will it be harder? Yes it will. And the success rate is a lot lower, for most definitions of success.