[randomdata]

I think we've forgotten that higher education is supposed to be an investment in a high-paying career (the return).

I believe you meant to say that it isn't supposed to be an investment in a high-paying career.

Education, like any other hobby, is an investment in yourself. The return is what you take away in joy from having participated in the activity. Like any hobby, the chances of finding financial rewards are greater by having done said hobby (think of how many have made fortunes by playing in a band, or playing sports, etc.), but the pursuit has always been about more than just money. Monetary returns are a nice bonus when one gets lucky, but it is still worth the cost and effort either way.

One year of post-secondary employment would be an interesting prerequisite for college, as a filter to weed out those who are only there because they believe it is the only path to employment. Unfortunately, it could, under certain circumstances, also keep people who are there for legitimate reasons away.