[bryze]

Here are some courses that changed my life: Intro to Abstract Math, Non-Euclidean Geometry, Symbolic Logic, Music Theory, Theory of Computation, Computer Architecture, Compilers, Computer Graphics, Animation, Performance Evaluation, Critical Thinking, Linear Algebra, Elementary Physics. I was a different person after completing each of these courses. I spent about 40k total for a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Computer Science. For arming me with needed skills and establishing a broad foundation that permits me to think outside a narrow discipline when it's called for, I'd say it's worthwhile. Anything that accomplishes this is good. Right now that's college.

I concede some schools are a better value, and some majors are not going to make you financially successful. I think that should be the discussion.

[richcollins]

The discussion we should be having is whether college is the best way to to learn the subjects that you mentioned.

[mertd]

One of the kids in the video says "[In college], I was challenged in things I am not interested in, but not in thins I am interested in." That's the whole point. Stepping out of your comfort zone may even be the single most important life skill. If you cherry pick the stuff you want to work on, you will never learn something new. College is a good place to learn how to hammer through "uninteresting" stuff.

[yummyfajitas]

College is a good place to learn how to hammer through "uninteresting" stuff.

So is your first job.

[richcollins]

That doesn't provide any evidence that college is the best way to do so.

[randomdata]

I don't believe there is a definitive answer to that. Everyone is different. Some learn better in the classroom, others learn best on their own, and I'm sure there are a million variations in between.

[stretchwithme]

And that's the whole point. Government has decided that there is one answer and put its financial and bully pulpit thumb on that scale. That's how it creates most of its bubbles.