I don't have a college degree, i work for one of the new and successful startup today. Yes, i do regret about not having a degree sometimes[when i'm drunk]. But most of the times, my life is exactly what the OP has written. Life is fantastic for me today. i'm having 5 years of beautiful experience working on amazing things. Having a degree, you are constricting yourself to one thing. But for me, i'm free to try anything provided i have people and their support, which i have actually got over the past. I'm hoping to die happily now. I have tried 7 roles and perfected in one. I want to bring a change, not everyone can spend 7000$ to get a degree. That 7000$ can give food and life for a group of people for 5 years. Think my friend.