I agree with everything you've said, so I wont repeat it. I want to relay my own anecdote to the OP on top of it. I've been doing professional web application

I agree with everything you've said, so I wont repeat it. I want to relay my own anecdote to the OP on top of it. I've been doing professional web application development since 1997, a year after I graduated high school. I'm 34 years old now and still work in the field, but I'm dissatisfied with writing every day code. I solve every day problems for my employer's customers but it does nothing to stoke the fires of my passion for computing and problem solving. I've had a good career. Even living in the midwest, away from major cities, I earn a low six figure salary writing software. Over time I have slowly come to realize how many ideas I was never exposed to by learning on my own. In my career I have quickly been recognized for my technical ability at each company I have worked at, but I became aware that there is a level above that, which I'm not qualified to be a part of. I found there is a glass ceiling that I cannot break through. The ceiling is not defined by salary, but rather by the intellectual challenge provided by the work and coworkers. After much reflection, I decided to start college at 34 years old. Last fall was my first semester at my local community college. I continue to work my well paying job, but after this summer I plan to quit and focus entirely on my education. Next year, after I finish my general education classes, I'll transfer to University of Illinois for Computer Engineering. I have built up some savings, so I'll certainly live more comfortably going back to school now, but I'll lose quite a bit of potential income doing it now verses going to college after high school. I could provide some detailed estimates for this, but I think its self evident. I guess my point is that if you think you'll want to go to college in the future, do it now. It's much easier, and cheaper, when you're younger. Not to mention the social benefits to doing so.