This is why I mention apprentship. In practise even doctors do it. Heck, even engineers have to build specific projects. Surely the argument cannot be "only universities can do this". Reminds me of the argument from statists "who will build the roads".
In all the fields that matter, hands on experience is vital.
In your case your degree was worth it because the times were different. You wouldn't have the same opinion if you have attended with in this century.
I would agree that community is also a big part. That is rather obvious. Nonetheless same can be said about bars. Although there is a community there, habit eventually becomes lifestyle.
I wouldn't argue that only universities can do some of this but as someone who has just graduated high school it is often the only practical option.
And I missed attending university in this century by a little over a year. It has not changed that drastically.
Today, for someone who is graduating high school and they want to go into computer or software engineering or they want to be a lawyer, doctor, or teacher, or they want a career in pharmacy, chemical engineering or biology, what would you recommend they do? Not go to college? While spending a million dollars at an expensive private or out of state school may not be worth it, spending the cost of a new car at a community college and state university is probably a very good investment, at least in most cases.
well said.