Only in this industry would one argue against going to a higher learning institution. Ironically, the OP attended himself, but stopped after his 2 yr degree (for whatever reason). He called college a waste of time, but yet he gave it a shot, and was unsuccessful as a whole. That very fact in itself, makes him a biased source, therefore his opinion holds no water.
jeforte -
I don't think that it was the OP that went to college for 2 years and called college a waste of time. The OP simply asked if a college degree was required for upgrade.
USMCFLYR