In my opinion a degree is not necessary to get a good job or to succeed in the software industry. However a degree does make some other things easier and there

In my opinion a degree is not necessary to get a good job or to succeed in the software industry. However a degree does make some other things easier and there are a few things to consider: Immigration is one that others have mentioned. Here in the US it can be fairly difficult (not impossible though) to hire a programmer from outside of the country if they do not have any academic credentials. You can certainly build a portfolio of released software that can generate as many or more opportunities than a degree, but it is easier to understand exactly how to accomplish a university degree and how much effort it will take. It might be harder than you think to build a great portfolio. The signaling value of a degree is fairly well understood. You are communicating your intelligence and some measure of what kinds of things you can accomplish in a very easy to understand way by getting a degree. But honestly, from my point of view if you release a bunch of software, find users, and make them happy you will be far ahead of anyone who only has a degree (in terms of being interesting to recruit). I think lots of people think a degree will solve this for them, but education is just a start. Also, it's worth mentioning that I quite enjoyed getting my degree. It sounds like you aren't excited about it, but going to college is a really fun set of experiences for many people. After having done it, I think it was worth doing just for those experiences.