I think you are making a mistake when you assume education means, "go to college".
Education, experience., talent, vision and drive all have value. This value is not set by the person that has them, they are set by those who want to use them, to take advantage of them. Taking advantage of them does not make anyone a bad person, neither the person that has them nor the person that employs someone that has them.
Granted, in our day and age, Zoney, a HS diploma was enough to get a good paying job. Hell, my father had nothing more than a HS diploma when he accelerated in his career to one notch below VP at the now defunct Boyle Midway company (Easy On, Easy Off, Black Flag products, household products)
It's a bit different today. with the influx of highly educated Asians and other immigrants with higher educational standards into our country, those higher paying jobs are going to those who have a 4 year degree or better unless it's a specialty 2 year degree like Welding, Composites, etc.
Auto mechanics (2 year degree) used to be a good living, not anymore for the majority, the avg wage is $38k a year, barely enough to sustain a family of 4.
If you've ever had the chance to read "Strength Finder" it does not differentiate those that go to college and those that do not. When I'm assisting HS students with the recruitment process for collegiate sports I always tell them to pursue the college based on A) The campus. Can you live there for 4 years and finish? B) What you're studying...your degree. Your passion. Are your 'strengths' aligned with the degree you're are pursuing? and then finally C) Does the college fit your expectations as an athlete?
I've seen too many kids who THINK they're "all that" in athletics get recruited by top colleges only to end up never seeing the field until their senior year in a high scoring game, as a back up.
A HS diploma today gives you minimum wage in most cases, and will give you nothing more financially unless you network (know someone) or you find your strength and expand your education.