IMO there is a difference between K-12 and higher ed.

K-12 is actually more about enforcing cultural norms of dilligence, punctuality and ideally some civic norms.

Higher ed (paraphrasing Peter Thiel) is a mix between insurance and a tournament. It is _supposed_ to ensure a basic living standard. But it's also a competitive tournament where the high prestige colleges grant access to higher pay/prestige careers.