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> ...at university, you are being taught how to teach yourself, not necessarily how to perform practical things.

vs getting a self-taught junior role early and not being $100k in debt?

$100k in debt may be typical for the US. In several countries in the EU, you'd pay much, much less.

It is not typical for the US either. Average is something like $30K. It's a lot but it's not $100K.

Where are people going to college (in the US) for $30k after 4 years (community colleges excluded)?

Very few students borrow, or at least need to borrow, 100% of the cost of attendance.