[Wayward Vagabond]

Originally Posted by Reincarnate

Maybe it's just me, but honestly, even at the Ivy League level, I felt like higher education is such an overpriced scam (that is perhaps too strong a word, but I do think in many ways it can be defended).

If it's knowledge you want, the internet is wide open. Private tutors are cheaper, too.

Ultimately, though, we want to learn from those who can teach good material effectively and help us learn. Sadly, even at expensive schools, the price tag does not ensure this. If it's problemsolving ability you want, you don't need a huge education to get it. Simply going through all the problems on Project Euler taught me a shitload about programming/mathematical insights (obviously this is just one example but my point is that sometimes higher education institutions are simply not necessary in various contexts).

Almost everything I learned at school could have been learned online, and I think this also applies for many other subjects, too. No doubt in my mind that the current education system will eventually become outmoded.

i view higher education as something to put on a resume. i've been passed up in many jobs ive applied for just because i didnt have the education to back up what ive learned first hand through work experience.