I share the same feeling with smitty1e. But I have to admit, my military experience, GI Bill, and security clearance opened many doors for me. As you put it, it gave me a major leg up in life. I would make the same choice again unless I had better opportunities.

I certainly benefitted from both.

But history does not support experiments, so one cannot say whether something else would have been as profitable.

Staying married, going to college, living modestly, and working hard used to be the ticket.

These days, going to HVAC school or being an electrician or plumber might be preferred.

College seems to have become a dodgy choice, and one can always pick up coding on the side.