2nd this. PG often talks about schools as a way of meeting people interested in the same things you are. You'll learn a lot of applicable things along the way,

2nd this. PG often talks about schools as a way of meeting people interested in the same things you are. You'll learn a lot of applicable things along the way, come out the other end with a piece of paper that businesses consider valuable and you'll build a network of folks. All three of these are reasons for going to school. And, as others have said, it doesn't have to be the only way you learn how to program.