You have a point with the hard sciences. But even there, is it really necessary? Yes, I know that businesses use degrees as a filter, but isn't it possible to learn engineering on your own?
I went to engineering school, and if I had gone through a modularized, on-line curriculum, I think I could have gained the equivalent knowlege in 2-3 years.
A better system would be to have private certifying agencies, that would certify "professional engineers," etc. They would be incentivized to test skills that employers are interested in, and to make sure that things were on the level. Cheating scandals would put their companies out of business.
People could shop for colleges that had grads who successfully passed these exams. And poor people could pass these tests without even attending college.
This way, people would have an incentive to actually learn rather than punch a clock at a school. Yes, that even happens at engineering school.
Hesitating to jump in here because no two people are alike and just because one can be an exception to the rule does not mean what I have accomplished is a viable goal for all.
That said, my starting college in my early thirties (all paid for by me) allowed me the maturity to absorb the gift of knowledge I was being offered. The courses in mathematics, physics, statics, kinematics, materials, etc.(hard sciences) were beautiful and I savored every moment of this new and wonderful language. An absolute joy.
Yet, as can be expected, even a hard science program requires a degree of “underwater basket weaving”. The humanities, sociology and other such required electives are embedded in the science programs. I managed my preferred studies with great zeal and success. When it came to the electives, I could not get through the liberal/progressive mental acrobatics required to get a decent grade from professors totally entrenched in their philosophical tripe.
Adding to this perspective, many years later I opted to get my GED well into my late 50’s after 20 years in my selected field as well as 17+ years of teaching an engineering course in college myself. My performance on this test ranked me in the nation's top 1-2% in each category save composition (subjective). Scored a meager 80% on my theme paper. The review panel must not have liked my subject matter, the Vietnam War. No marks on the paper other than the grade.
Logical? Confronting the bias was not worth the hassle. Their biases are just too deeply entrenched. I refuse to count on their acceptance or sacrifice my principles for their good wishes.
As is my habit, I'll just set my mind to it and through perseverance, make it happen without their blessing.
bla-bla-blah Hope that I haven't high jacked your post for I can agree with Glen's position. For some there are other ways.