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Post being replied to

I think you are fundamentally off base by BigClumber

when you say "there is inherent value in a collegiate education." Your statement would be more accurate if you removed the word "collegiate."

There is inherent value in gaining knowledge and educating yourself by whatever means possible. Reading books, speaking to experts in the field, learning via apprenticeship, watching informational videos, deep-diving materials on the internet, and the list goes on.....

At one point, college may have served that purpose as well, but these days it's primary role is to produce a piece of paper (the degree) that theoretically makes you attractive to a future employer.

And sadly, many degrees these days are indeed garbage because they cannot fulfill that fundamental goal. The knowledge that you gain from a college education is not worthless, but it can certainly be gained many other places at a fraction of the cost.