I get Huck’s point- you can get past HR and hustle your way into jobs if you know how. Some people are very good at this, and I commend them for it.
But that approach is the harder one, generally. And it simply does not work in certain fields where a specific degree is required to keep your resume from going into the trash.
And even having the right degree won’t get you an interview in many places, unless it is from the right schools. My dad ran engineering departments for several large transportation companies during his career. A resume with the words “University of Michigan Engineering School” on it goes to the top of the pile, while others barely get looked at.
Don't forget that some companies only recruit at certain schools. That's how I was hired. Someone from another, lesser-known school might still have all the requirements to be successful, but it's an example of a door that opens much easier when you're in a formal university, as opposed to hustling your way into a position.