People who dismiss college education are often the ones who didn't attend and think they did well without. I teach storyboards at a university. Let me tell you, there is no textbook or tutorial online on YouTube or elsewhere that you will find that will provide you the kind of experience you would get with just one hour working with me as your instructor.
And you work with your peers and learn to use critical skills to recognize how the artwork that you create works under the surface layers everyone notices.
The cost issue is a separate problem that can be handled easily. Move to Canada for your college degree!
Seriously, if the problem is money, then address it as such. But don't question the value of education when the real problem is affordability.
And yes, Canada, has some of the best schools for animation, worldwide.