I think the other huge benefit of college and something that is often not talked about is the social and networking aspect of being at a top-tier university.

The most meaningful things I got out of my 4 years as an undergrad and 2 as a grad student were meeting people that could truly help me in my career.

While I was in college I met people that:

1. Helped me land multiple book deals with O'Reilly 2. Got me to conferences I would not usually have been able to go to. 3. Got me a great job doing design/development for the University. 4. Introduced me to the founders of Slashdot--one of whom sat on my thesis committee. 5. Allowed me to make connections with faculty and staff that have led to business contracts and even an adjunct faculty position at MSU.

I would be nowhere if it wasn't for my college degree--but you have to do more than go to class--that's the easy part. Network and meet people, there will never be higher concentration of fucking brilliant and well-connected individuals as there are a major universities.