I have to say, I find that there are advantages to both. I am an avid reader, have a library card, and typically borrow many dozens of books a year. I find that if I want to get a basic grounding in a topic, or if I want to explore something without spending too much money, the library is definitely the way to go.

That said, here are some counterarguments I’d like to present to your post:
- College doesn’t have to be that expensive. My four years of university education cost about $12,000 — total, not per year. Perhaps $15,000 once you include the price of books (most of which I still own.) It’s much more expensive than a library card, certainly, but hardly a quarter-million dollars.

- College gives you exposure to people in your field of interest. Simply put, there’s no substitute for talking with someone who’s been in the field for 20-30 years. I’ll probably get more out of a half-hour conversation with a professor (in office hours, say) as out of a half-dozen books. And, as you progress to the more advanced courses, the conversations you have with your fellow students are equally valuable.

- College gives you recognition and reputation. Let’s face it, in today’s society, that diploma counts for a lot in the eyes of employers. Yes, you might have read 30-50 books on a given topic. Yes, you might have done tons of research. But you’ll still need to prove yourself against someone who’s got a university degree. If you don’t have one, it’s a strike against you.

- College gives you structure. If you want to learn, say, chemistry, college will give you a well thought out path to get from point A to point B. It’s possible to replicate this structure with books, but (I find) more difficult.

Sorry for rambling, but I do feel strongly about this. College isn’t for everyone, but I think the counter-arguments to your post need to be heard.

I wouldn’t go so far as *replacing* my college education with a library card (although it’d definitely be a frugal alternative!) but it IS a great resource that is ignored by many!