Agreed. After the Marine Corps gave me $8,100 (in VEAP money) back in 1985, I decided on a 10-month technical school in Electronics and Computer Repair vs the 4-year college path.
The result was that a few years later, I was making well more than the typical college graduate with a four year degree. All with zero debt.
I also consider myself better educated than the typical college graduate as I remain an avid reader over a period of decades. My home is full of history books, the classics and other great literature.
College is probably necessary if you want to be a doctor, lawyer or engineer. Otherwise, plunge yourself into your chosen field by getting on the job experience and you will have plenty of time to educate yourself on your own terms without the brainwashing.
But Sam, without the college you won't be brainwashed. And you'll have a dirty mind!