I have a degree, and I agree with you. At least for software engineering.

What there could be is a standardised test, that is a national or international standard, not linked to a uni. Learn to program and do the test and that is your credential. Maybe it costs $200 or something.

That way you can skip uni, self teach but be able to show you can code without employers needing to find novel ways to evaluate.

Just spitballing!