On the flip side, your chances of ever getting past 200k/year (or equivalent) are much better with a degree... if you accept that you aren't likely to hit the top 5-10% of income earners, then most people are not better off with the college experience.
I know 200k is much more, and the point is nearly as relevant even at 100k... the percent brackets are more relevant. It's just worth knowing what you want to do, and if it requires a degree, and what you're likely to make working at it for 2-5 years or getting the degree first, then paying back loans.
My advice to people today, is go to the cheapest school you can, local community college is probably the best option, unless you're going to a top tier school, and have plenty of funding for it without student loans.
