I will not dispute that this is better than learning on your own, but I have come to regard the University system as a lot like malware that might do something useful, but at the same time infect your system with something horrible and difficult to get rid of. (Indoctrination in a Leftest world view.)
Considering that, along with the excessive cost (for the actual services rendered) and the deal becomes all that much worse. The Cost vs Benefit equation doesn't balance.
Universities cost far too much for that little "extra" they deliver over and above learning on your own. Even Glenn Reynolds often points out you would be better off investing the money used to pay for University schooling rather than spending it for a "credential."
Another aspect of my thinking is that if all these left wing socialist professors want to preach socialism, the least they can do is live it, and stop getting so much money for their labor.
They should only get so much money as they need to live humbly, just as a good communist peasant should.
:)
You’re right about the leftist part. To me, many, if not most, traditional establishments are in a state of decadence. Why? Because they are being run mainly by feminists, gays & minorities.
As far as $$: College might offer certain amenities or supplementary activities (i.e. sports, clubs) to broaden the academic experience, so that is maybe a selling point. But even these are under attack from the PC crowd, who will only allow those that further left-wing causes.
The only viable colleges might be the faith-based. They still respect the Western canon. A student might get a classical education with practical, vocational training. (Especially as many of these students learn “on the job” while doing missionary work.)
I agree with you — I’d rather customize my own courses through different avenues (books, software, websites). Less time & money wasted on drivel.