Can I be successful in life without going to college?

[Bob B]

It is possible, but it is harder.

If you look at the statistics, linked below, it's pretty clear that people who go to college, on average, earn more money and have less unemployment than those who don't. So it definitely does something.

Now, I'm sure a few people will say "oh, I know someone who didn't go to college and now earns 6 figures". Now, that's true, and I know people like this. But it's also true that for every one person like this, there are hundreds who didn't make it. Just because it's possible doesn't mean it's likely.

It's also the case that more and more people are getting some sort of higher qualification, and so it's becoming more competitive for those who don't have one.

That's not to say that college is the only way and you must have it or you're doomed to failure, because that isn't true. But it is true that without it, you have far fewer options.