Agree that it depends. I was unable to reasonable afford college and due to medical condition had to have employment and health insurance as soon as possible. I use to feel like I missed out, but I got a job and after several promotions over ten years I make good money with amazing benefits at a large company.
My best friends (a married couple) both went to college. He got a an engineering degree and makes great money and has been able to pay off his massive debt within 10 years. Meanwhile her degree didn't give her the same employment opportunity so she struggles under her debt and won't be debt free until she is 47.
I think people who imagine a degree as this golden ticket to prosperity often get a rude awakening that often in the real world it is your skills, hard work, and frankly a considerable amount of good fortune or timing that lead to how well you manage in life.
