Best type of education for prospective software engineer?
I am a high school student and I am currently trying to decide where to go to college, or if I should go to college at all. Over the past 2 years I have found software development to be something that I really enjoy doing. The problem is I do not have much experience as a programmer currently. Now the traditional route would be to go to college, and use the degree to sell myself along with the skills I have learned throughout college. However, I have talked to numerous people, owners of tech companies that say the degree itself is basically useless. Most if not all of them would say they would rather hire someone with experience that knows how to program, than someone with a degree that says "hire me, I have a good education".

I found a local school that offers a degree in software engineering, which would be much more relevant than lets say, computer science. It might be a good safety net as well. I think college, if anything, is simply something that reassures you that you will have a decent paying job when you get out. Spending 4 years at a university though is not only expensive, but over 4 years, technology changes. If I learn a hot language while in college, by the time I get out and look for a job with it, it will be outdated. Why not take advantage of it right away? While college may provide a good safety net and give you a framework to work off of, is it really the right choice for a software engineer?

There are quite a few alternatives that I feel could lead to even better job opportunities. Quite a few websites provide the resources to completely learn everything you need to know about programming for a small price. When compared to a college education that puts you $60,000 in debt, it looks like a simple choice to learn it yourself. Also, there are quite a few "programming/developer camps" that are basically a few months long sessions, where you learn to program in a very short period of time. All of the camps I have looked at are in the LA/San Francisco/New York areas. Basically they are all intense, but you walk out knowing that you have a really good foundation in a programming language or two, and also you are in high demand if you know your stuff. The great thing about this is the networking, most of them have employers that come to the programs towards the end, and there are many guest speakers from tech companies during the program. My thinking is, if I can land even a lower end programming + development position right after the program, I could take courses at a local college on weekends/nights. After four years of that (when all of my friends who go to college graduate). I will have 4 years of programming experience, probably will have had at least 2 jobs, had some experience with college courses, and best of all I will have absolutely 0 debt.

So my question is for all the programmers and developers out there, anyone in the tech industry, or anyone who works with hiring of programmers and developers. Is college worth it? Is going to one of these camps and working on a portfolio to demonstrate your skills a better choice? Or is it best to try to learn it all on your own?