As I discussed the value of the people he met... and yes as you said you meet people working in the trades as well, but does that mean everyone should work in the trades?

While he didn't finish college he did make it through two years and undoubtedly used the knowledge he acquired.

The reality is that people can succeed without college, but statistically chances are improved for college graduates: http://theconversation.com/the-myth-of-the-college-dropout-75760