I agree 110% - GO TO COLLEGE!
It is not essential to have a degree to make it in the IT field, but keep this in mind:
- Without a degree, you will constantly have to prove yourself and work twice as hard to get the money you deserve. If you switch jobs, you will most likely have to start all over again in proving your worth.
- Many jobs require (or highly recommend) a degree of any type. So if you don't have one, your resume goes right in the trash regardless of how much skill you have. Fair or not, this is the reality.
Think of it like investing. A diversied portfolio may not make you the most money in a bull market, but in the long run, it will save your a$$ and eventually make you a lot more money. Having a diversified resume is the same way. So go get your degree, get your certs as well, participate in the field, get published, etc. etc. It will pay big dividends in the long run.
Hope this helps,
Don
PS - Look at this topic -
How important is a degree?