I think the desire to be educated is a noble one, and in our modern world it's hard to find a good job without extensive *knowledge* - but you're right that holding a degree may not always be the best way to obtain that knowledge. Especially in the modern workforce, many skillsets you learn in college are already out of date by the time you get into the work force. Not to mention many colleges these days are for profit and will end up drowning you in debt for the rest of your life. Most industries are so specific you have to start form the ground up when you start there, anyway. But unfortunately, a lot of employers want the degree to prove you have the commitment to learn. Anyway, you're right. Will Hunting said it best: "you dropped 150 grand on a ****in' education you could have got for a dollar fifty in late charges at the public library!"