I don't think whether attending a college can decide a person's career. But I have to admit that generally, higher education make people have boarder knowledge and better ability to learn. And also college offers students nice environment, more opportunities, and a wonderful group, which can benefit the student, and may lead them to success. But on the other hand, lots of people who didn't attend university gain more experiences and success without a degree.
As far as I know, China has lots of successful business men who had never attend to university. But, they have something in common, that is the strong will, super diligent character and never gives in to the failures. So personally I think personality and luck determine successful career, not the degree.