&gt;Yet, not having a degree is a detriment to me somehow still. Why? I can&#x27;t think of a single good reason why so many employers would think that way.<p>Since employers can&#x27;t give IQ tests any more, they have come to rely on your college <i>alma mater</i> as a proxy for an IQ test.  If you don&#x27;t go to college, they don&#x27;t know how you fit in with other candidates.<p>Yes, college has become a $100k+ IQ test.