That's right... it does not add up.
What is the purpose of so-called higher education? To educate? Is that really the case? Lets take a look at the subject of mathematics. There is no question that most would agree that 1+1 = 10 in computing terms or 1+1 = 2 in the traditional sense. How do we know those problems and their solutions? We know them as we are taught in school by teachers or professors....Math, as are many other subjects, are universal and most have common methods and systems that are used to [educate] the student so that he or she learns what is taught, supposedly, for their future.
Most lecturers, professors, or teachers of public and private education follow the same methods when learning and teaching materials. Many of those university "professionals" travel to other countries and teach their chosen topics for various periods of time...for instance, the public university system in Finland uses a rotating lecturing staff in many subject areas by visiting lecturers from around the world and from top ranking institutions.
So then what is the difference? What is the reason to go to one university and not another? The content is the same...the lecturer generally has the same materials and knowledge as others...and he or she is just as qualified as anyone else....
Lets check how math should really work and be taught...
Compare:
Harvard or other so-called top institution and
University of Helsinki (one of the top in Europe).
Harvard tuition and room and board is a minimum (Est. annual costs) of $57,407 while the University of Helsinki has no tuition (free), but books, room and board are extra with a minimum (Est. annual costs) of $10,000. Four years later the totals are approximately $230,000 vs $40,000, respectively. If the goal is to learn and be educated then the student should be able to ascertain that the proper mathematical choice would be the economical one, not the higher cost one, since basically all of content is relatively equal. In addition, the capital that would have been spent at Harvard could be used for a real investment, such as in the capital markets, starting their own business after graduation or just saving the money.
Yes, the math does not add up! The system is based on compartmentalization of [thought] and that implies the participant cannot distinguish what is or is not beneficial, logical, and good for their sake. Perhaps the idea to attend such institutions is buying their contacts to improve their connections for future business? Does that add up? If one wants to go socialize and meet people, then there is a Starbucks nearby for that purpose and free WiFi....
I don't know much about math...but what I do know is that Benjamin Franklin had it right: a penny saved is a penny earned.