I can't speak for these guys, but I can tell you my experience. I dropped out after 1.5 years since my career got started way early. Without a degree you lack

I can't speak for these guys, but I can tell you my experience. I dropped out after 1.5 years since my career got started way early. Without a degree you lack security. In every sense of the word. Getting a job means I have to go the extra mile to prove my capabilities. I don't expect that my career will last forever (the supply and demand of programmers is in my advantage right now, but that could change tomorrow). Additionally, and especially here on the east coast people judge you by two things. Your title, and where you got your degree. Not having a degree becomes an extremely sensitive subject, and the source of a great quantity of insecurity. The combination of personal insecurity, and career insecurity leads one to strive.