I've hired a lot of people who didnt finish their degree, but had some college under their belt and a strong portfolio. I would have a very hard time hiring a HS graduate, unless they expressed a very high level of maturity, and even then, I would not pile a lot of responsibility on them for quite a while.
Problem is, college is synonymous with gaining maturity, since for many, its the first time they're truly on their own. Responsible for their own grades, responsible for day to day life, responsible for projects and outcomes. Being able to handle your life, handle deadlines, not think you can boil the ocean - is very important for me as a manager. Having a bit of higher education under your belt gives me a warm fuzzy feeling (maybe wrongfully so) that you can hack it in the real world.
There are exceptions, but the stereotypes do fit most of the time.
Problem is, college is synonymous with gaining maturity, since for many, its the first time they're truly on their own. Responsible for their own grades, responsible for day to day life, responsible for projects and outcomes. Being able to handle your life, handle deadlines, not think you can boil the ocean - is very important for me as a manager. Having a bit of higher education under your belt gives me a warm fuzzy feeling (maybe wrongfully so) that you can hack it in the real world.
There are exceptions, but the stereotypes do fit most of the time.