Why do lives need a trajectory other than survival? Seems unnecessary and merely a cultural phenomenon. This is why higher education is a luxury.
That having been said, I'm in a CCNT course for a reason: I could be lliving on a steady 40 grand and not have to wprry about backbreaking work every day.
There are ways to better oneself without ever setting foot in a college or university. How did America's forefathers survive! I was the first person in my entire male lineage to attend college and yet I come from a long line of successful businessmen.