Ask HN: Do students often go to grad school because they had a bad industry job?
And if this is often the case, then maybe co-op programs aren't really a good idea?
There may be another group of careerists that have it as part of the plan because it's a recommended qual for a job they want - though in CS I don't know how realistic this is. Really strong people that want a job are more likely to go get one with an undergrad.
A small minority are genuinely interested in research, and do grad school for that reason.
Most people are just... there. They float towards one incentive to another. Get good grades because mom yells at me for not getting good grades. Get a job because bills. Marry someone good at sex and finance. Get more education because it's easier than caring about work. Buy expensive thing so people will like me.
It was a waste of time and money. It would have been more productive and lucrative for me to spend a couple extra hours every night doing work projects rather than going to night school.