I went to college after got out of the military and from personal experience, I would recommend a good Community College where one can get a better education than most 4 year institutions
I ended up going on and getting a BA degree, but other than the sheepskin itself the other 2 years were a waste as I got mostly theoretical instruction as opposed to actual experience lessons from the mostly adjunct professors (who were working in the real world and taught part time) while attending the Community College.
I too went to a community college and learned machine shop skills, invaluable skills I still use to this day, skills that always earn me a decent wage.
My son who is 18 and in a foster care home is being indoctrinated to go to a college by his social worker. he would rather apprentice under me learning all the tricks of my various trades instead.
Home schooling at its best I guess.