I wouldn't say do not study if you were to become a programmer under any circumstances.
I would seriously think of it if you were to become an artist.
I have not finished my studies yet i see that very few of what i was tought worth paying for.
What i enjoyed and found very usefull was of course Drawing, Art History(as it gave me a
broad perspective of art), Graphic Design.. the rest was pretty much without significant value to me.
Not because i was not very interested but because of the value of the teachers.
That doesn't mean i didn't study though.I got many books on lighting, architecture, lighting,
animation and life drawing, as well as technical stuff, like rigging tutorial DVDs etc. and I keep
contact with forums to stay on the edge.
I would suggest to an artist to take seminars and work hard at home drawing modeling
animating build a portfolio.But you need to be able to
understand where you lack. If you can't you better find a good school
and they will know what you need to know.
I'd say a good program worths something close to 2 years on the line but it's not quite the same.
As in many studies particularly though in Art related studies talent can't be replaced.