Your question strikes me, because you've framed 'college' and 'programming' in terms of their potential, or lack, of monetary benefits. That's an entirely fair way of framing this decision, but not the only one. I would suggest, if you are as capable a programmer as you claim, that you have the unique opportunity to enjoy many benefits of the college experience, without the burden of debt or delayed employment/advancement that your peers will face. It really depends on what you think you can gain from an educational environment.<p>For my part, I recently left a career to return to school. I'm getting a graduate degree after a 10-year gap from my undergrad, and even though I'm working a job at the same time, it's inspiring to be in an academic environment again. Some assignments are tedious, but to share a cafe or a bar with other students who are working through intellectual questions is an experience that is difficult to monetize, and nearly impossible to expect outside the university. There is a reason it is called an 'academic bubble', but while many say that scorn, I am inspired by the space that bubble creates.<p>I would suggest that, if you're a capable programmer, then don't go to college to learn to program. Study topics that seem foreign/difficult to you, revel in the leisure time to discuss ideas with your peers, and rise to the challenges set by professors. The academy is intended to be a space for self inquiry and growth. If that is something you value, then try to find a college that feels right to grow with.<p>If nothing else, try applying. As a general rule, you should avoid closing doors on opportunities that don't exist. If you get accepted to an institution, then you have a right to decline it, but rejecting it without applying is hubris.