Some of the point here is that the "college" section on your resume represents not just education, but evidence that you're not a total flake. An employer is going to look at your story and wonder why you couldn't, at the very least, get through a few community college courses or an associates degree. As someone who went to a "top" university and received a ton of financial aid, the money excuse doesn't really hold water.
You can make this work if you try. Since you haven't made it work, one tends to worry that you aren't really trying. Someone who isn't going to work hard isn't likely going to be a good employee.
Alnayyir, I am by no means belittling you; stop calling yourself a flake.
College: You can do it. You should do it. It's worth it. The tools are there. Almost everyone wants to help you. The mechanism is set up to help you. Heck, there are even scholarships for grandchildren of volunteer farmer firemen; and there are searchable databases too. My message to you is: Do it.
Here's what I did, I had a similar situation and I worked my way through college for a CS degree:
Go to a local community college (in your state as they often have huge discounts for state residents) that has a way to transfer to a big 4-year university. Do research, and choose the one that has the best transfer track record. These colleges are good not only because of the implied higher education quality but because the counselors are better equipped to get you into the 4-year.
Use this time wisely, accomplish two things: a) Get good grades, the best you can; and b) build up your professional programming history so you can get a steady stream of consulting gigs later in life (you're gonna need the income).
It's perfectly OK to take 3-4 years doing this. Do it well, this is the key to your future.
Use the system too. My community college permitted dropping out of a course late in the term,so if the calculus class is looking like you'll get a C or maybe a B, drop it and take it again. Don't screw up your grades, they are your ticket to the future. When I found out 4-year universities did not care about dropped courses, I started keeping my "A" classes, and dropping everything else.
When the time is right, transfer to the best 4-year university you get accepted to (you will because you got good grades at the community college). Work your way as much as you can through university, come out with as little debt as possible.
Nowadays you even have guru.com and the like. You can certainly find a job there. One of the best things in colleges/universities nowadays are the job centers. There are lots of companies that advertise for jobs only at their college's job center.
>>so if the calculus class is looking like you'll get a C or maybe a B, drop it and take it again. Don't screw up your grades, they are your ticket to the future. When I found out 4-year universities did not care about dropped courses, I started keeping my "A" classes, and dropping everything else.
Not good advice, Most 4 year universities wont let you do this but only two times. Even then, your main focus is getting the degree. 3.5 and 3.0 gpa is no different in interviewing for jobs. Most of the jobs(4) I interviewed with right out of school never asked, Only retake classes you have to or classes that are in your major and you enjoy. Don't waste more years and MONEY. Get the degree then job. THAT IS YOUR MAIN FOCUS.
You can make this work if you try. Since you haven't made it work, one tends to worry that you aren't really trying. Someone who isn't going to work hard isn't likely going to be a good employee.