I think the experience of a college or university degree is well worth the time and money. You may meet others that have your same interests. You may be exposed to concepts and ideas that you have no concept of now. It might happen because of a required class or it might happen because of a relationship with a mentor or a professor.

You have the rest of your life to work. Be a monk and study for a few years and come out the better. Having accomplished 'a degree' is a big deal. It's a lot of bureaucracy and busy-work, but that shows that you have not only skill, but perseverance.

Also other mentioned coming to the US. Why? I can't see why. I'd go to Berlin or Vienna or some other place in the EU.