In 20XX, what will be a better indicator of entry-level qualification: a repository with 4 years of course work in it, or a college degree? Home schooling coll

In 20XX, what will be a better indicator of entry-level qualification: a repository with 4 years of course work in it, or a college degree? Home schooling college is significantly cheaper. A bootstrapped education would be self-defined. This is freeing and terrifying. The person must be self motivated. Goals could be hard to define. This path is risky in US culture, but could yield much greater return on investment financially. Because this is counter-cultural, the “Greener Grass” syndrome would most certainly exist. "What if I went to college?" A college degree yields access and exposure to topics which are prohibitive while working without professors and labs. Mathematics, engineering, science, and liberal arts all have language barriers which college professors help alleviate. Having peers and mentors to speak those languages with is highly valuable. The financial cost of college is far too high. Non-major required courses make up approximately half of a degree. A 2 year time commitment for what is seen as esoteric knowledge results in unnecessary stress and frustration. Perhaps making those courses free, not required, or pass/fail would be sufficient. In short, college isn't perfect. Which person is truly a better candidate for a job is completely up to the business culture. Do people with college degrees prefer college degrees?