> Take the easiest/least time consuming classes you can find and try to work during those 4 years. Don't allow a useless college degree to make you broke.

If you take the easiest/least time consuming classes you will likely end up with a useless college degree. Go to a state university that has a solid co-op or intern program and major in something difficult. Take hard classes and focus on those (EE, CompSci) because they will open up high paying internships during school and an entry job after graduation.

Don't burn yourself trying to balance school and work concurrently, don't waste your time taking easy classes that will leave you struggling after graduation!

> For most jobs/careers, You just need the certificate ~ at least in the long term.

That may be true, but your courses/GPA will matter for the first job... or to get the MS degree required for many jobs in engineering today.