I found that I lost discipline in college. Could I have motivated myself outside of college? No, it was my parents and the daily routine of high school that imparted discipline. You have to break free from your family, but a daily routine can be had at any number of jobs that don't require a degree.

It might make more sense for a certain person to work in the real world for a couple years to get their head screwed on right, before attempting an education. If that imparts enough discipline to allow cheaper alternatives than college, more power to you.