<p>Military colleges make you go into the military for the “free” tuition, so most people wouldn’t work well there. Community college is for people who, to be completely honest, usually were too lazy or not smart enough to get into regular college, and it usually confers less academic degrees. They also aren’t taken seriously by a lot of big companies for many jobs (i.e. if you want to be an engineer at GM don’t plan on getting your degree from a community college).</p>
<p>College isn’t for everyone; there are plenty of jobs that don’t require bachelor’s or above, that many people could get, enjoy, and thrive in. But college provides education, skills, etc. that many employers are looking for, and you surely couldn’t become a doctor/engineer/lawyer/etc without college. Plus, college is a great time for most people, so most people would say that’s a great benefit in and of itself.</p>
<p>Now that I’ve answered some of the other questions… Yes, there is a point to top tier colleges, but if there is a $100,000 difference, then weighing your options is a good idea. Look into whatever you want to do to see if a better college will get you a better job. If you’re going to grad school, most won’t care what undergrad you went to. If you want to be a engineer, most places will take any accredited school. Basically, unless your undergrad degree will matter in your chosen field, I wouldn’t spend that much more, unless you really loved the school you wanted to go to.</p>