Sometimes I think that it might even be better not to go to college. You won't have all the crippling student loan debt and you'll have a head start in a career. If your family has a small business that you have helped in and you plan on taking over be it plumbing supplies, dry cleaning, body shop, whatever, you would probably be wasting your time to go to college. I am very glad I went, but I really wouldn't have had much going for me if I didn't. I have a lot of members of my family who didn't go and opted to be entrepeneurs. They have ended up making a lot more money than I have and have very good lives. I really believe this and want you to understand that this is coming from a retired teachers. I know that the other teachers didn't say this, but telling students that college is vital is almost a mantra among teachers. I just isn't so and it is a waste of time for most people. BTW right now there a lot of people with advance degrees who are out of work but a good mechanic with his own tools can go anywhere and find a job in a couple of weeks.

Yes, depending on your drive and the direction you end up going in: Small factory town versus larger community with opportunity and ambition! It's up to you!

I hope so. I'm about to drop out cause I can't afford it.

I would have to assume YES since million do it...

Sure you can. As long as the final destination you've aimed at doesnt require a degree. It's not easy out here with or without one. Many employers do insist on degrees just to get your resume into the HR department but on the other hand it's your people skills that will land you the job. Many times it is who you know, rather then what.

It'll probably take you a lot longer to "get there" - and it really depends on what "there" is to you. College isn't necessary but it can definitely make life a little easier by opening you up to more opportunities earlier in life (and some opportunities that will never be offered without that college degree)

Absolutely. There are trade schools, certificate programs, all sorts of stuff. And no matter what anyone says, I believe graduating high school or even getting a GED is a juge accomplishment. Even going straight to the workplace can be done. It all depends on what you want and who you are.

Yes - of course you can make a life without going to college.
Now - will this be a privelaged life? Maybe not, but not every person is looking to go to college.
Also - not all people have the means / money /support to go to college.

Yes you can. I know several people who have made lives. Some dropped out, and some never went. They are all making money. They also have enough money to go out to eat, go on vacation, and do plenty of other fun things. So yes, it is entirely possible to make a life without going to college.

Yes, but you probably won't make as much money as the average college grad. On the average, college grads make much more money than just HS grads.
I did not go to college. My top earning was $36,000. My wife had 6 years of college. Her top earning was 105,000....

Absolutely! I believe our fate is ultimately determined by the peolpe with whom we interact.

Usually the best mentors/teachers are not in the college classrooms. They are out there in the real world doing what they do best. Find these people. They are the ones from who you want to receive your education.

Yes. I started a restaurant that I have had for 23 years. No college, but, I am sure there are some business courses that would have made some aspects easier to accomplish than the school of hard knocks. I had a pretty good education in the lower grades.

It depends on what your career goal are. I for one could not.

It's possible if you have some sort of skill to make a living from. Remember that there is a distinct difference between surviving and living.

You can get by on the hourly wages from most entry level jobs, but you won't get very far. You will likely not manage to save enough to buy a house or put away for a retirement (no, social security isn't enough - ask any senior citizen).

However, if you have some sort of skill and SOME piece of paper to back it up - from a trade school, certificate program or something like that - you can make a good living and get somewhere. Those types of programs are generally far cheaper than a traditional four-year college.

Sure.
But if you decide to go to college, take a couple years off and work. You will gain an appreciation for college that the traditional students won't have.

Most of the rest of the world survives perfectly well with out the benefit of the american educational system.

I agree with alot of the posts here; there isn't one definitive yes or no answer. Tons of people have made it big with and without the benefit of college, and on the other hand alot of people have struggled even though they went to college. One of my former bosses was a brilliant man with 3 engineering degrees but he continues to work in retail management and loves it! I'm sure he doesn't make near the amount of money he could with all of his degrees but he is doing what he likes so I guess he is living his life making less money but still went to college. I myself have a great life and never went to college. I don't make millions but I don't just get by either, but in this economy the dream is dwindling away unfortunately! You can have a happy life with or without college. Money doesn't always make a happy or fulfilled life! Education isn't everything, people skills and experience will also get your foot in the door!! Good luck!

Sure. It took a couple years, but I started up a construction company. Before that, I sold drugs. Not.

If you are smart, resourceful and hard working, yes. You have to be a quick study and learn from life. My husband has no college degree and yet makes well over six figures. He has a good head on his shoulders, a knack for business and great people skills.I know others who have their masters degree and don't make anywhere near as much because they are followers.They have no common sense or imagination. They miss chances to suceed.
A good education will not guarantee a good job if you are not naturally inquisitive and willing to constantly learn throughout your life.