It is interesting, in order to go to Graduate School for Mathematics say, then one is essentially required to take the GRE Subject Test corresponding to Math. Now, that test covers a wide range of Undergraduate level material, and the probability of a person doing well on it who is not sound in the subject areas is nearly non-existent. Then, it is a decent display of one's abilities in the areas that a formal degree (with corresponding 4+ years schooling) is not necessary to indicate 'proficiency'. The test combined with a presentation/verbal/ect. in front of a qualified reviewers would be plenty enough to demonstrate 'proficiency' in the area--though it is currently not accepted. It is a scam of sorts, really. The Universities are given extreme power in this respect, which upon examination, is not at all necessary.

From personal experience, I learn nearly everything outside of class--showing up to class in person, ect. is really just an unnecessary formality. There is really no reason a person should not be allowed to independently study for a test or series of tests in an area which could be administered at local testing centers (e.g. local library, ect.)--which, if passed, would sufficiently demonstrate knowledge in the subject and credential them equivalent to the level they passed (i.e. A.S., B.S., M.S., ect.) without spending an incredible amount of money as well as the mandated time frame (which is quite extended). Also, this would really allow people to rise and fall based upon their own merit, as money would be essentially taken out of the equation.

Again, from personal experience, I used to attend all of my lectures for my Mathematics/Sci. courses which added up to be in class all day several days a week. Then, after a couple years, it dawned on me--all of the learning I was doing was nearly 100% outside the classroom from pre-recorded video lectures (such as MITOpencourseware, ect.), online YouTube tutors, textbook, ect. So, why even bother attending class? Now, I just get a copy of the syllabus, follow along with the schedule, and show up in person just to turn in homework assignments and take the tests--my scores are just the same or even better (as it is much less stressful/more relaxing). I would have done it the whole time through if I knew better before.

However, the College/University system will never admit this because it would destroy their business model--as in, why would I have to pay so much money just to learn all this material for free online, and then take an administered test (which should not cost much money at all) to prove proficiency? Why do I have to move to the other side of the State (or Country) just to learn all this on my laptop in my apartment? It is scam, honestly--and, I would think, it is only an amount of time before a sufficient amount of people catch-on to it enough to challenge the status-quo.

Note: Also, again for emphasis, there are very, very few people in the World (relative to the population at large) qualified to do the kind of work/research my Professors do--then why are 'we' (i.e. the Universities) demanding they waste their time on Undergrads like me in lecture, when we (Undergrads) could just be learning all this independently/co-dependently (i.e. collaboratively with each other and perhaps some tutors who have taken the material already) on our time just as or, rather, much more efficiently than the traditional format?

They no longer hold the key to the worlds knowledge, however they still hold the key to the prize positions (mostly, that is). If more parents/adults were aware of this as you are, then the system would collapse in no time--as nobody in their right mind would pay $100,000+ for instruction/information that is free online, libraries, ect., and actually, more efficient in many ways. For instance, at Uni., questions generally are not fielded aside from a select few, as there would not be nearly enough time to get through the material if everyone asked all the questions on their mind. However, online, there are an abundance of YouTube tutors (and other sources) that break-down/explore nearly every conceivable sub-topic, which caters to an individual students needs.

It is in the USA insofar as:

1) Any school better than community college is pretty much a giant money pit

2) Truthfully almost anyone can go to somewhere as long as they find a way to pay

3) A large swath of the majors only translate into real jobs if you use them to join the club of people who teach them, perpetuating the cycle

4) It adds to the already immense percent of your life you're not working for society. You're in school to your mid 20's, then work about 30-40 years, then retire for maybe 20 more. So about half your life is spent not working. There are people who stay in college specifically to postpone facing the work world.

But I want to say at the end that until they change the system up it's still pretty much essential that people play be these traditions if they hope to get a job and get ahead in life. Something is still better than nothing. And any knowledge is still better than no knowledge, or than tainted knowledge from web propaganda.

Yes it IS mostly a scam!! I have a BS - I make less than some of my friends with tech certificates. Luckily, I didn’t have to go into a lot of debt for my degree. If I had to do over - I would do something technical.

You could be right. Trump says he went to the finest colleges and was a great student. Something MUST be wrong with the system!