In the AI Era, is going to college worth it to become a programmer?

Software engineering doesn't require a formal degree, but college offers valuable benefits for aspiring programmers, including networking, diverse experiences, and soft skill development. It prepares students for challenges beyond coding through rigorous coursework and extracurriculars. However, college may not be feasible for everyone due to constraints. Despite AI advancements in coding, human programmers remain essential, as current AI systems have limitations and cannot fully replace skilled developers, particularly for sensitive applications.