This. Several programs' funding is tied to placement rates, and some even check to see if a former.student is still in the industry up to two years later.
For what its worth, the value of a college degree varies greatly depending on your industry. The only way I would go back (I'm a 1 semester dropout) would be if the degree was legally required.
I was always told that if I wanted to make any money in life, I had to get a degree. My wife has a four year degree and is a senior analyst in the oil field. I'm a web developer and make more. In fact, I know for certain that I make more than the average developer with a degree. My point is its not about the piece of paper, but about how well you market your skills, how you position yourself, and your overall determination to succeed. Fortunately, when people tell me I can't do something, that just encourages me to prove them wrong. By the way, in some fields a degree might be a sign that you won't think outside the box.
I'd also say that out of the top 10 earners I know, 3 have a degree and either lawyers or in finance.
Whatever you do, don't rack up a ton of student loans. The grants and subsidized student loans are a large reason for the massive tuition increases - its guaranteed money. But I know several people who've racked up $40-50K for a public 4 year degree and they rarely get a job that offsets that. And don't be that guy who spends $100K+ on a law degree only to decide they want to be a public advocate for $35K/yr...
