Did a formal college education make you a better programmer/engineer?

I wonder if someone studied programming on their own if they would ever bother with computability or complexity theory. Knowing what is decidable and what is tractable do indeed enrich you ability to view problems in ways that you probably wouldn't otherwise. I am currently working in a startup in the field of computer vision, but I was a professor for a number of years. I certainly see younger programmers who don't understand simple "separation of concerns" when writing code and get themselves in to trouble with overly complex approaches. They have to learn the hard way -- without someone guiding them. I know how to read research papers and not re-invent the wheel -- so many folks resolving already solved problems and not doing as well. School, when done properly, can save you from wasting your time by standing on the shoulders of folks who have been down most of the roads already.

- The knowledge you will obtain in a good CS program will make you a better software developer.

- The degree does open up some doors. Jobs/visas etc.

In the real world(tm):

- You have a better idea of the theoretical limitations around solving specific problems. This has practical applications depending on your domain. There are many common problems in computing applications and your studies will give you the lay of the land in many areas.

- The intellectual challenges and the intensive learning do sharpen your mind and make it easier for you to learn new things. IMO.

- You'll be able to understand papers and other references that are aimed at people with some basic CS/math. Again this has practical implications.

That said most people that just finish their CS degree are just starting on their journey to become good engineers. It should also be said there are many software jobs where you can get by without a lot of theory.

Yes, but nothing beats getting a programming job to teach you how to program.

I started as a hobbyist but I was only aware of a programming language's syntax and my ability to use it to program a project. I then went to college and learned how to better break down a programming challenge and create a working program that has code that can be managed over time. I also got an introduction to other parts of Information technology that helped me better understand how to program. It was not enough teaching. I feel I got a very superficial education but it was enough to get started.

But I feel I got the best training when I got a job programming and had to work on a team and was able to release code to production. Nothing beats the constant grind of a job to teach you how to program.